African mahogany

noun

1. a large tree, Khaya ivorensis, of western Africa, having hard wood resembling true mahogany, widely used in cabinetmaking and boatbuilding.
2. any of several related or similar African hardwood trees.
3. the wood of any of these trees.

African mahogany

noun

1. any of several African trees of the meliaceous genus Khaya, esp K. ivorensis, that have wood similar to that of true mahogany
2. the wood of any of these trees, used for furniture, etc
3. any of various other African woods that resemble true mahogany

Word History and Origins

Origin of African mahogany¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Charles Gaines’s “The American Manifest: Moving Chains,” a 110-foot-long bargelike structure made of steel and African mahogany, with nine 1,600-pound chains churning overhead, arrived at New York’s Governors Island last October.

From New York Times

Turtles, snakes, glass frogs and lizards — i ncreasingly targeted by the pet and collector trade — would get increased protection, as would several timber species including African Mahogany that have been decimated by illegal logging.

From Seattle Times

The legs of the stunning dining table are African mahogany, with midcentury chairs in rosewood.

From Seattle Times

One carving is of African mahogany and is in the shape of a woman.

From Washington Times

The two-story house is dressed inside and out with African mahogany details, while Italian Pietra del Cardoso granite was used for the interior stonework.

From Los Angeles Times