Elemi \El"e*mi\, n. [Cf. F. ['e]lemi, It. elemi, Sp. elemi; of American or Oriental. origin.] A fragrant gum resin obtained chiefly from tropical trees of the genera {Amyris} and {Canarium}. {Amyris elemifera} yields Mexican elemi; {Canarium commune}, the Manila elemi. It is used in the manufacture of varnishes, also in ointments and plasters. [1913 Webster]