tolu

[taw-loo, tuh-]

noun

Also called tolu balsam, balsam of tolu, tolu resin. a fragrant, yellowish-brown balsam or resin obtained from a South American leguminous tree, Myroxylon balsamum, and used in medicine as a stomachic and expectorant, and in perfumery.

the tree itself.

Origin of tolu

First recorded in 1665–75; after Tolú (now Santiago de Tolú) in Colombia, where balsam is obtained

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for tolu

Historical Examples of tolu

This is the substance which is left in the preparation of syrup of tolu.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
As the last, but using only one half the weight of balsam of tolu.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
Equal parts of balsam of tolu and compound tincture of benzoin, with double the quantity of rectified spirit.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
She had the Scrivano of Tolu aboard her, with eleven men and one woman.
On the Spanish Main
John Masefield
The Chinese josticks are of a similar composition, but contain no Tolu.
The Art of Perfumery
G. W. Septimus Piesse

British Dictionary definitions for tolu

tolu

noun

an aromatic balsam obtained from a South American tree, Myroxylon balsamumSee balsam (def. 1)

Word Origin for tolu

C17: after Santiago de Tolu, Colombia, from which it was exported

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012