Word Study
copaiba
CIDE DICTIONARY
copaiba, n. [Sp. & Pg., fr. Brazil. cupaúba.].
A more or less viscid, yellowish liquid, the bitter oleoresin of several species of Copaifera , a genus of trees growing in South America and the West Indies. It is stimulant and diuretic, and was formerly much used in affections of the mucous membranes. It is also used in varnishes and lacquers, and in cleaning oil paintings. -- called also balsam of copaiba , copaiba balsam , balsam capivi , and Jesuits' resin . [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
copaiba, n. an aromatic oil or resin from any plant of the genus Copaifera, used in medicine and perfumery.
Etymology
Sp. & Port. f. Guarani cupauba
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