baobab

American  

[bey-oh-bab, bah-oh-, bou-bab] / ˈbeɪ oʊˌbæb, ˈbɑ oʊ-, ˈbaʊ bæb /

noun

1. any large tree belonging to the genus Adansonia, of the bombax family, especially A. digitata, which is native to tropical Africa, has an exceedingly thick trunk, and bears a gourdlike fruit.

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baobab British  

/ ˈbeɪəʊˌbæb /

noun

1. Also called: bottle tree.   monkey bread tree.  a bombacaceous tree, Adansonia digitata , native to Africa, that has a very thick trunk, large white flowers, and a gourdlike fruit with an edible pulp called monkey bread

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Etymology

Origin of baobab

First recorded in 1630–40, baobab is from the New Latin word bahobab, first cited in a description of the tree's fruit by Italian physician and botanist Prospero Alpini (1553–1616 or 17); origin obscure

Example Sentences

The Sunland Baobab Tree was large enough that 15 people could fit inside at the same time.

From NewsForKids.net • Apr. 10, 2024

“They are really in need of food, medicine and shoes, clothes,” Andrea Costa, head of Baobab Experience, a migrant assistance group, told The Associated Press at the way-station in Rome that the group runs.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2023

Baobab trees, which can live on land and in salty or fresh water, have now been planted along the shoreline as a barrier.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2022

"I think Giorgia Meloni is more cunning than Salvini," said Andrea Costa, president of the Baobab Experience, an aid group that helps migrants in Italy.

From Reuters • Oct. 7, 2022

While the one was strongly in favour of the adventure, the other was strongly opposed to leaving his snug little Baobab Villa and the safety of Tarascon.

From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 03 — Fiction by Mee, Arthur