propolis Resins of plant origin collected by honey-bee (Apis species) workers and used to seal gaps in the nest or hive, or to reduce the nest entrance to a suitable size. Sometimes it is also used to entomb large trespassers into the nest (e.g. mice) which have been killed by workers acting as guard bees. It is supposedly of medicinal value.

propolis Resins of plant origin collected by honey-bee (Apis species) workers and used to seal gaps in the nest or hive, or to reduce the nest entrance to a suitable size. Sometimes it is also used to entomb large trespassers into the nest (e.g. mice) which have been killed by workers acting as guard bees.

propolis bee-glue, resinous substance with which bees line their hives. XVII. — L. — Gr. própolis (i) suburb, (ii) bee-glue, f. PRO-2 + pólis city.

propolis Waxy substance produced by bees, used to seal the hive; has anti‐oxidant and antibacterial activities, and is sold as a nutritional supplement, with little evidence of efficacy.