shea butter

noun

1. a solid, greenish, yellowish, or whitish fat derived from the seeds of the shea tree, used for food and in the manufacture of soaps and candles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shea butter¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The baobab and the karite (shea butter tree) are found only in the Niger districts.

From Project Gutenberg

This consists almost universally of kouskous, with a small portion of animal food or shea butter mixed with it.

From Project Gutenberg

Coffee and tobacco of good quality are cultivated and shea-butter is largely used as an illuminant.

From Project Gutenberg

Minor exports are coffee, “country cloths,” maize, shea-butter and ivory.

From Project Gutenberg

Concrete milk and butter made from the Shea butter tree, and others growing in Para, are also exhibited.

From Project Gutenberg