Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
resin, rosin (nn.)
Resin is the generic term for all sorts of sticky fluids and gums exuded by plants. Synthetic resins are manufactured in imitation of these and are widely used in the making of plastics. Rosin is a particular natural resin from pine trees; in dried powder or cake form it is used by gymnasts and other athletes to prevent hands and feet from slipping and by musicians on the bows with which they play stringed instruments, to insure firmer contact between bow and strings.
