* en.caus.tic \in-'ko-stik\ n [encaustic, adj., fr., Gk enkaustikos, fr. enkaiein to burn in, fr. en- + kaiein to burn - more at CAUSTIC] ( 1601 ) 1: a paint made from pigment mixed with melted beeswax and resin and after application fixed by heat 2: the method involving the use of encaustic; also : a work produced by this method - encaustic adj