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

According to Huber, who made this observation, the propolis is applied also to the insides of the cells.

From Project Gutenberg

Other bees then completed the work which this one had begun, till all the walls of the cells were framed with bands of propolis.

From Project Gutenberg

By leaving it on, travel stained and propolis spotted sections will result.

From Project Gutenberg

Propolis is sometimes put to a very curious use by the bees.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, it is bee-glue (propolis); it is very common on old hives.

From Project Gutenberg