copaiba

[ koh-pey-buh, -pahy-buh ]

noun

1. an oleoresin obtained from several tropical, chiefly South American trees belonging to the genus Copaifera, of the legume family, used chiefly in varnishes and lacquers, for removing old oil varnish from or for brightening oil paintings, and formerly in medicine in the treatment of certain mucous-membrane conditions.

copaiba

/ kəʊˈpaɪvə; kəʊˈpaɪbə /

noun

1. a transparent yellowish viscous oleoresin obtained from certain tropical South American trees of the leguminous genus Copaifera: used in varnishes and ointments Also calledcopaiba balsamcopaiba resin

Word History and Origins

Origin of copaiba¹

1705–15; < Spanish < Portuguese < Tupi cupaiba

Word History and Origins

Origin of copaiba¹

C18: via Spanish via Portuguese from Tupi

Example Sentences

Among the true balsams are the balm of Gilead, and the balsams of copaiba, Peru, and Tolu.

From Project Gutenberg

As compared with copaiba in this connexion cubebs has the advantages of being less disagreeable to take and somewhat less likely to disturb the digestive apparatus in prolonged administration.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a copious growth of the cinchona tree, sarsaparilla, vanilla, copaiba, balsam of Tolu, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

Rub the copaiba, licorice, and honey together in a mortar: after they are well mixed, add the water.

From Project Gutenberg

The exports, besides the staples already spoken of, are various, including annotto, sarsaparilla, balsam copaiba, and other medicinal extracts, together with rum and crude india-rubber.

From Project Gutenberg