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propolis

[ prop-uh-lis ]

noun

  1. a reddish resinous cement collected by bees from the buds of trees, used to stop up crevices in the hives, strengthen the cells, etc.

propolis

/ ˈprɒpəlɪs /

noun

  1. a greenish-brown resinous aromatic substance collected by bees from the buds of trees for use in the construction of hives Also calledbee gluehive dross

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Word History and Origins

Origin of propolis1

1350–1400; < Latin < Greek própolis bee glue, literally, outskirts of a city ( pro- 2, -polis ), apparently originally the name for a structure around the entrance to a hive, hence applied to the glue from which it was made; replacing Middle English propoleos < Medieval Latin, for Latin propolis as above

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Word History and Origins

Origin of propolis1

C17: via Latin from Greek: suburb, bee glue, from pro- before + polis city

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Example Sentences

According to Huber, who made this observation, the propolis is applied also to the insides of the cells.

Other bees then completed the work which this one had begun, till all the walls of the cells were framed with bands of propolis.

By leaving it on, travel stained and propolis spotted sections will result.

Propolis is sometimes put to a very curious use by the bees.

Yes, it is bee-glue (propolis); it is very common on old hives.

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