tolu
[taw-loo, tuh-]
- 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.
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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. 2018
Examples from the Web for tolu
Historical Examples
This is the substance which is left in the preparation of syrup of tolu.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume IIArnold Cooley
As the last, but using only one half the weight of balsam of tolu.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume IIArnold Cooley
Equal parts of balsam of tolu and compound tincture of benzoin, with double the quantity of rectified spirit.
She had the Scrivano of Tolu aboard her, with eleven men and one woman.
On the Spanish MainJohn Masefield
The Chinese josticks are of a similar composition, but contain no Tolu.
The Art of PerfumeryG. W. Septimus Piesse
tolu
- an aromatic balsam obtained from a South American tree, Myroxylon balsamumSee balsam (def. 1)
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Word Origin
C17: after Santiago de Tolu, Colombia, from which it was exported
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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