What is the term for the rosin that comes out of a tree when it is injured?

The term for the substance that oozes out of a tree when it is injured is commonly referred to as pitch. This material is typically a viscous, sticky substance that trees produce as a protective mechanism against injury or disease. Pitch plays an important role in sealing wounds and preventing further damage, as well as deterring insects and pathogens that could invade the tree.

While "gum," "resin," and "tar" are related substances, each has specific definitions and contexts of use. Gum generally refers to a sticky substance that may be produced by some trees, which can leak from wounds. Resin is a broader term that encompasses natural organic compounds secreted by plants, especially conifers, and it can include pitch as a particular type of resin. Tar is usually a byproduct of the distillation of organic material and is not derived directly from trees like pitch is. Thus, pitch is the precise term for the product that exudes from a tree following injury.