butter tree

noun

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

Origin of butter tree

First recorded in 1820–30

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

The baobab and the karite (shea butter tree) are found only in the Niger districts.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 1 "Franciscans" to "French Language" | Various
These steamers carry on an exchange of European goods for ivory, palm oil, and butter from the olivelike seeds of the butter tree.
The World and Its People: Book VII | Anna B. Badlam
In the central portions of Africa a most remarkable three, called the butter tree, is found.
The World and Its People: Book VII | Anna B. Badlam
I was next employed in collecting the fruit of a species of bassia, or what I should call a butter tree.
Mark Seaworth | William H.G. Kingston
The seeds of B. butyracea, the Indian butter tree, yield a butter-like substance, which makes good soap.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 3 | Various

Browse