A fragrant resin obtained from tropical trees, used in varnishes, perfumes, and traditional medicine. It has a fresh, citrusy scent and was historically valued for its preservative properties.
From Arabic al-lāmī meaning 'the shining one', referring to the resin's lustrous appearance when fresh. The word entered English via Medieval Latin and Old French in the 16th century. European apothecaries learned of this resin through Arabic medical texts and trade networks.
Elemi means 'the shining one' in Arabic because the fresh resin literally glows with an oily sheen! This resin was so prized by medieval Arabic physicians that they used it to preserve mummies and treat wounds—its antimicrobial properties actually work.
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