lac

lac · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A resinous substance secreted by the lac insect, used in the manufacture of shellac, varnishes, and dyes.

  2. 2.

    (Indian English) A unit equal to one hundred thousand (100,000), especially when referring to money.

Forms

plural: lacs

Related words

See also: lacquer, resin, shellac
Synonyms: resin, shellac

Etymology

From Hindi lakh meaning "hundred thousand," and via Persian from Sanskrit laksha, referring to both the number and the resinous substance produced in large quantities.