divi-divi

[ div-ee-div-ee ]

noun

, plural div·i-div·is, div·i-div·i.

1. a tropical American shrub or small tree, Caesalpinia coriaria, of the legume family, the astringent pods of which are used in tanning and dyeing.
2. the related species C. spinosa.
3. the pods of either plant.

divi-divi

/ ˌdɪvɪˈdɪvɪ /

noun

1. a tropical American leguminous tree, Caesalpinia coriaria
2. the pods of this plant, which yield a substance used in tanning leather

Word History and Origins

Origin of divi-divi¹

1825–35; < Spanish < Carib

Word History and Origins

Origin of divi-divi¹

C19: from Spanish, of Cariban origin

Example Sentences

But while trying to get a phase I trial started with an extract from the divi-divi tree, Caesalpinia spinosa, she hit a snag.

From Nature

Pilate and Reba, seated beside the bed, bent over her like two divi-divi trees beaten forward by a wind always blowing from the same direction.

From Literature

Although the plains are for the most part arid wastes, sugar, aloes, tobacco and divi-divi are produced with much toil in the more fertile glens.

From Project Gutenberg

Gladstone will be the better pleased, and take another farthing off 'divi-divi,' or some other commodity in general use and of universal appreciation.

From Project Gutenberg

Specimens of divi-divi which had been raised at Calcutta were shown in the Indian department of the Great Exhibition.

From Project Gutenberg