tolu

[ taw-loo, tuh- ]

noun

1. Also called tolu balsam, 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.
2. the tree itself.

tolu

/ tɒˈluː /

noun

1. See balsam
   an aromatic balsam obtained from a South American tree, Myroxylon balsamum See balsam

Word History and Origins

Origin of tolu¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tolu¹

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

Example Sentences

Its medicinal qualities are intermediate to those of the aromatic turpentines and balsam of tolu.

From Project Gutenberg

The Chinese josticks are of a similar composition, but contain no Tolu.

From Project Gutenberg

Storax and Tolu are used in perfumery in the same way as benzoin, namely, by solution in spirit as a tincture.

From Project Gutenberg

An Achena offered Tolu five hundred francs to kill the head of the Stacca family.

From Project Gutenberg

Tolu not only refused, he did not rest till he had brought about a reconciliation between the two houses.

From Project Gutenberg