propolis

[ prop-uh-lis ]

noun

1. a reddish resinous cement collected by bees from the buds of trees, used to stop up crevices in the hives, strengthen the cells, etc.

propolis

/ ˈprɒpəlɪs /

noun

1. a greenish-brown resinous aromatic substance collected by bees from the buds of trees for use in the construction of hives Also calledbee gluehive dross

Word History and Origins

Origin of propolis¹

1350–1400; < Latin < Greek própolis bee glue, literally, outskirts of a city ( pro- ², -polis ), apparently originally the name for a structure around the entrance to a hive, hence applied to the glue from which it was made; replacing Middle English propoleos < Medieval Latin, for Latin propolis as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of propolis¹

C17: via Latin from Greek: suburb, bee glue, from pro- before + polis city

Example Sentences

However, bee bread is acidic with little moisture, and is doused with the antimicrobial chemical propolis.

From Science Daily

The strains were also tested under different matric potential, which measures how much moisture is available, and response to propolis.

From Science Daily

"It was interesting that it could deal with propolis, which is believed to have fungicidal properties."

From Science Daily

Yet, I see ads for propolis supplements promoting their benefits.

From Seattle Times

Can you write more about propolis, please?

From Seattle Times