Colophonies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Substances derived from pine resin used in making varnishes, adhesives, or for improving the grip of violin bows; the final page or section of a book displaying publishing details; sticky solid materials obtained from tree resins applied in industrial or artistic contexts
2. Natural resinous compounds obtained from coniferous trees employed as components in coatings, sealants, or bow rosin; an informational leaf in publications listing printer and publisher data; tacky resin substances utilized in crafts or manufacturing processes
3. Solidified syrups sourced from pine and other trees used in varnishing or as friction enhancers on stringed instruments; a printed statement at the end of a book revealing production credits; adhesive resin materials used in various commercial and artistic applications

Etymology: Colophony is the name for the amber-coloured resin left behind when turpentine is distilled from pine resin, and its name points to a city. The Ionian city of Colophon, on the coast of Asia Minor in what is now western Turkey, was known in antiquity for producing hardened resin, and the Latin phrase "colophonia resina" meant "resin of Colophon." Over time the place name was shortened to the single word, so the substance was named for where it was thought to come from. The plural "colophonies" is simply the usual form of "colophony" with a "y" changed to "ies," so it refers to several kinds or batches of this resin. Its meaning has been stable: a substance taken from conifers, used for centuries in varnishes, and today also rubbed onto violin and cello bows to help them grip the strings.

Synonyms: rosins, resins