Sandarachs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An aromatic resin derived from specific trees, often used in perfumes and incense
2. A historical reference to a substance known for its fragrance and medicinal properties
3. A term associated with ancient rituals and trade involving fragrant resins and their aromatic qualities

Etymology: "Sandarachs" is simply the plural of "sandarach," so it names more than one portion or kind of that resin. The singular is the word that carries the history: sandarach is a resin from certain trees, used in varnishes, perfumes and incense, and its name has passed through Greek and Latin before reaching English. Because the plural only adds the regular English "-s," the substance behind it is what matters. Sandarach is the resin itself, so "sandarachs" would refer to several batches or varieties of it, the way one might speak of several grades of any gum or wax.

Synonyms: realgar, orpiment