carapa

[ kuh-rap-uh ]

noun

1. a South American tree, Carapa guianensis, of the mahogany family.
2. the light, reddish-brown wood of this tree, used for making furniture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of carapa¹

1860–65; < New Latin ≪ Carib: oil

Example Sentences

Carapa, kar′a-pa, n. a genus of tropical trees of natural order Meliace�, a South American species yielding the useful carap-oil or crab-oil.

From Project Gutenberg

They rub their bodies with carapa oil, to keep off insects; and one of the ingredients of their numerous poisons, is a kind of black ant called muneery.

From Project Gutenberg

The “carapa,” or arrau turtle, is, when full grown, forty or fifty pounds in weight.

From Project Gutenberg

The “carapa,” or arrau turtle, is, when full grown, forty or fifty pounds in weight.

From Project Gutenberg

Carapa guianensis.—A meliaceous plant, native of tropical America, where it grows to a height of 60 to 80 feet.

From Project Gutenberg