Araquaju

/ˌærəkəˈhuː/ noun

Definition

A tropical tree from South America that produces valuable wood used in construction and furniture making.

Etymology

From Portuguese, likely derived from Tupi indigenous language. 'Araquaju' refers to a type of hardwood tree found in Brazilian forests. The exact etymological breakdown from Tupi is uncertain but follows patterns of indigenous tree names.

Kelly Says

Many tropical hardwoods like araquaju are so dense and durable that they barely float in water and can last hundreds of years—old shipwrecks have revealed timber that looks as good as the day it was cut!

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