A type of tree resin or aromatic substance, possibly referring to tar-like exudates from certain trees, used in traditional medicine or crafts.
Possibly from Arabic tar or related roots, or from Greek. The etymology is uncertain and may reflect regional or trade names rather than a single origin.
Words with unclear origins like artar remind us that not every word has a neat etymological story—sometimes they're regional trade names that entered written records too late for us to trace their full journey.
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