sterculia

[ stur-kyoo-lee-uh ]

noun

1. any of various tropical trees of the genus Sterculia, of which some species are grown as ornamentals and some are the source of commercially valuable wood.

sterculia

/ stɜːˈkjuːlɪə /

noun

1. a dietary fibre used as a food stabilizer and denture adhesive. It is the dried gum tapped from the trunk and stems of the tree Sterculia urens , native to Central India and Pakistan

Word History and Origins

Origin of sterculia¹

1765–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin Stercul ( us ) a Roman deity supposed to have invented manuring (derivative of stercus manure, excrement) + ia -ia; from the fetid odor of the blossoms of certain species

Example Sentences

For relief, try fiber supplements containing psyllium, sterculia or unprocessed bran, which can be effective in reducing bleeding, itching, pain and prolapse.

From Washington Post

The sterculia, or bottle-tree, is a very singular curiosity.

From Project Gutenberg

At 3.30 p.m. entered a dense scrub of small crooked eucalypti and acacia, with a few sterculia.

From Project Gutenberg

The heteromorphous sterculia of the interior, and some species of eucalyptus of very stunted growth covered its sides, which however for a considerable distance were not deficient in grass.

From Project Gutenberg

The country traversed, consisted of scrubby flats, and low sandy ridges, timbered with bloodwood, messmate, mimosa, melaleuca, grevillea, and two or three species of the sterculia or curriijong, then in full blossom.

From Project Gutenberg