Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Brazilwood

Bra-zil′ woodˊ

,

Bra-zil′woodˊ

(brȧ-zĭl′ woŏdˊ)
.
[OE.
brasil
, LL.
brasile
(cf. Pg. & Sp.
brasil
, Pr.
bresil
, Pr.
bresil
); perh. from Sp. or Pg.
brasa
a live coal (cf.
Braze
,
Brasier
); or Ar.
vars
plant for dyeing red or yellow. This name was given to the wood from its color; and it is said that
King Emanuel
, of
Portugal
, gave the name Brazil to the country in South America on account of its producing this wood.]
1.
The wood of the oriental
Cæsalpinia Sapan
; – so called before the discovery of America.
2.
A very heavy wood of a reddish color, imported from Brazil and other tropical countries, for cabinet-work, and for dyeing. The best is the heartwood of
Caesalpinia echinata
, a leguminous tree; but other trees also yield it. An inferior sort comes from Jamaica, the timber of
Caesalpinia Braziliensis
and
Caesalpinia crista
. This is often distinguished as
Braziletto
, but the better kind is also frequently so named. The wood is also used for violin bows.

Definition 2024


brazilwood

brazilwood

English

Brazilwood

Noun

brazilwood (countable and uncountable, plural brazilwoods)

  1. (usually uncountable) A Brazilian timber tree, Caesalpinia echinata, used primarily to make bows for string instruments.
  2. (uncountable) The wood of such tree.

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Translations