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

It has been extolled as possessing the virtues of copaiba in an exalted degree.

From Project Gutenberg

State frequency and types of eruption following the administration of copaiba.

From Project Gutenberg

The action of turpentine resembles that of some other substances which contain resin, as Copaiba and Balsam of Peru.

From Project Gutenberg

Here grow the jalap and the guaiacum, the sweet-scented sassafras and the sanitary copaiba.

From Project Gutenberg

We believe that elemi possesses the same properties as copaiba, and that its indications for internal use are the same.

From Project Gutenberg