gumbo-limbo

[ guhm-boh-lim-boh ]

noun

, plural gum·bo-lim·bos.

1. a tropical American tree, Bursera simaruba, having reddish bark and yielding a sweet, aromatic resin used in varnishes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gumbo-limbo¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; of uncertain origin