Corcopali

/ˌkɔrkoʊˈpɑːli/ noun

Definition

A natural resin or gum obtained from a South American tree, historically used in varnishes and medicines.

Etymology

From Portuguese or Spanish, derived from indigenous South American languages. The term refers to specific resinous products from tropical trees, particularly in Brazil and the Amazon region.

Kelly Says

Colonial traders were basically hunting for these magical tree resins that could make their furniture shiny and waterproof—corcopali was one of the exotic treasures that made it across the Atlantic!

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