carnauba

[ kahr-nou-buh, -naw-, -noo- ]

noun

1. a palm, Copernicia prunifera, of Brazil, having palmate leaves covered with wax.
2. Also called carnauba wax. the hard, lustrous wax obtained from the leaves of this tree, used as a polish or floor wax.

carnauba

/ kɑːˈnaʊbə /

noun

1. Also calledwax palm a Brazilian fan palm, Copernicia cerifera
2. Also calledcarnauba wax the wax obtained from the young leaves of this tree, used esp as a polish

Word History and Origins

Origin of carnauba¹

1850–55; < Brazilian Portuguese < Tupi karanaʾiwa

Word History and Origins

Origin of carnauba¹

from Brazilian Portuguese, probably of Tupi origin

Example Sentences

One more snooze, and then alternating helpings of confectioner’s glaze and carnauba wax stack up the sheen.

From Popular-Science

If the ratio is above 3.8, it is very probable that Japanese or carnauba wax or grease has been added.

From Project Gutenberg

Carnauba wax is extensively used in the manufacture of candles.

From Project Gutenberg

The carnauba root likewise has a diuretic power, and possesses unusual efficacy, in the cure of acute and chronic blennorrhas.

From Project Gutenberg