What is "colophony"

Colophony \Col"o*pho`ny\ (k[o^]l"[-o]*f[=o]*n[y^] or k[-o]*l[o^]f"[-o]*n[y^]; 277), n. [Gr. 'h kolofwni`a (sc. "rhti`nh resin, gum) resin, fr. Kolofw`nios of or from Colophon in Ionia.] Rosin.

n. rosin; the residue left after the distillation of oil of turpentine from liquid resin. Used in pharmaceutical preparations, soldering fluxes, and by violinists.

n. translucent brittle substance produced from pine oleoresin; used especially in varnishes and inks and on the bows of stringed instruments