A fragrant resin obtained from certain tropical trees, used in making varnish, incense, and traditional medicines.
From Malay 'damar', referring to pine resin; entering European languages through Southeast Asian trade in the 17th-18th centuries, when European craftsmen sought exotic materials for varnishes and finishes.
Damar resin was so prized by European painters and varnish makers that it became part of the global spice trade—the same ships carrying pepper and nutmeg also carried damar, making this humble tree resin valuable enough to justify shipping costs around the world!
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