Copaiba

/koʊˈpeɪbə/ noun

Definition

A tropical tree or the oily liquid resin obtained from it, used in varnish, medicine, and perfume.

Etymology

From Portuguese 'copaíba,' derived from Tupi (Brazilian indigenous language) 'kupa'iba,' with 'iba' meaning tree.

Kelly Says

Copaiba oil was so valuable during the colonial period that Portuguese traders brought it back from Brazil as a miracle medicine—and it actually does have anti-inflammatory properties, so traditional knowledge sometimes matched modern science.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.