copaiba

American  

[koh-pey-buh, -pahy-buh] / koʊˈpeɪ bə, -ˈpaɪ bə /

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.

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copaiba British  

/ kəʊˈpaɪvə, kəʊˈpaɪbə /

noun

1. Also called: copaiba balsam.   copaiba resin.  a transparent yellowish viscous oleoresin obtained from certain tropical South American trees of the leguminous genus Copaifera: used in varnishes and ointments

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Etymology

Origin of copaiba

1705–15; < Spanish < Portuguese < Tupi cupaiba

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

copaiba

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

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

Among the true balsams are the balm of Gilead, and the balsams of copaiba, Peru, and Tolu.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

It has an odor similar to that of copaiba, is bitter and aromatic.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

One-half ounce balsam copaiba, one-quarter ounce liquorice powder, one-half drachm piperine.

From One Thousand Secrets of Wise and Rich Men Revealed by Bogardus, C. A.

The resin has been employed as a substitute for copaiba balsam, and plasters are made of it.

From Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by Saunders, William