damar
UK[ˈdæmɑː]US[ˈdæmɑːr]
n
A hard, natural resin obtained from various trees of Southeast Asia, used especially in varnishes and inks.
Etymology
The word 'damar' entered English in the late 17th century as a direct borrowing from Malay. The Malay term itself is believed to have originated from a local Austronesian language. Unlike words constructed from classical roots, 'damar' is a simplex term that traveled with the material it names, following trade routes from Southeast Asia to Europe. Its journey into English vocabulary exemplifies the direct adoption of indigenous terms for specific natural products found in colonial trade.
Analysis
This word is a loanword from Malay, where it refers to the resin or the tree that produces it. It is not productively formed from smaller English morphemes.
Examples
The artist mixed the damar with turpentine to create a glossy varnish for the painting.
Traditional batik makers sometimes use damar resin in the wax-resist process.
The quality of the ink depends heavily on the purity of the damar used as a binder.