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

If balsam of copaiba is made use of, the index of refraction of which is 1.50, a symmetrical field of about 24� will be obtained.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 441, June 14, 1884. by Various

Dr. Enderson of Glasgow employed it in cases that received no benefit from copaiba, giving a teaspoonful t. i. d. in emulsion.

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

Diuretics—potassium acetate, potassium citrate, and oil of copaiba.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman

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

Rub the copaiba, licorice, and honey together in a mortar: after they are well mixed, add the water.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George