shea tree

American  

noun

1. an African tree, Butyrospermum parkii, of the sapodilla family, bearing a round, smooth-skinned fruit that contains one or more seeds yielding shea butter.

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Etymology

Origin of shea tree

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

But the shea tree population has dramatically plummeted in recent year, it says.

From BBC • May 1, 2025

It has traditionally been women who have gathered the nuts of the shea tree to produce Nilotica shea butter, prized globally for its cosmetic and culinary uses.

From BBC • May 1, 2025

Clarisse heads to the village square to cool herself in the shade of a giant shea tree that grows in its center.

From BusinessWeek • Dec. 15, 2011