butter tree

noun

1. any of several tropical trees of the sapodilla family, having seeds that yield a butterlike oil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butter tree¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

This pastoral scene, which she made with 800 pounds of unsalted butter for the 2008 State Fair in Springfield, Illinois, features a butter cow and calf peering at butter skunks, all surrounded by a butter bird, butter snakes, a butter log, and a butter tree.

From Time

After bathing they anoint themselves with the oil from the butter tree.

From Project Gutenberg

In the central portions of Africa a most remarkable three, called the butter tree, is found.

From Project Gutenberg

These steamers carry on an exchange of European goods for ivory, palm oil, and butter from the olivelike seeds of the butter tree.

From Project Gutenberg

The seeds of B. butyracea, the Indian butter tree, yield a butter-like substance, which makes good soap.

From Project Gutenberg