tacamahac

[ tak-uh-muh-hak ]

noun

1. any of several resinous substances, used in incenses, ointments, etc.
2. any tree, as of the genera Bursera and Populus, yielding such a product.
3. balsam poplar.

tacamahac

/ ˈtækəməˌhæk /

noun

1. any of several strong-smelling resinous gums obtained from certain trees, used in making ointments, incense, etc
2. any tree yielding this resin, esp the balsam poplar

Word History and Origins

Origin of tacamahac¹

1570–80; < Mexican Spanish tecama ( ha ) ca < Nahuatl tecamac resin used in medicine

Word History and Origins

Origin of tacamahac¹

C16: from Spanish tacamahaca, from Nahuatl tecomahca aromatic resin

Example Sentences

Nearly a world tree is this poplar, which in some one of its variable forms is called also tacamahac, and balsam poplar as well.

From Project Gutenberg

The camp had been placed under a beautiful tree—the tacamahac, or balsam poplar.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor is the balsam-poplar, or tacamahac, less delightfully fragrant, especially while the gummy buds are just beginning to unfold; this is an elegant growing tree, where it has room to expand into boughs.

From Project Gutenberg