butter tree

American  

noun

1. any of several tropical trees of the sapodilla family, having seeds that yield a butterlike oil.

---

Etymology

Origin of butter tree

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

butter tree

I was next employed in collecting the fruit of a species of bassia, or what I should call a butter tree.

From Mark Seaworth by William Henry Giles Kingston

After bathing they anoint themselves with the oil from the butter tree.

From The World and Its People: Book VII Views in Africa by Anna B. Badlam

In the central portions of Africa a most remarkable three, called the butter tree, is found.

From The World and Its People: Book VII Views in Africa by Anna B. Badlam

Then the butter tree rattled down some butternuts, which Uncle Wiggily took home, and Nurse Jane said the butter squeezed from them was very good.

From Uncle Wiggily in the Woods by Howard Roger Garis

These steamers carry on an exchange of European goods for ivory, palm oil, and butter from the olivelike seeds of the butter tree.

From The World and Its People: Book VII Views in Africa by Anna B. Badlam