caesalpinia braziliensis

1 definition found

caesalpinia braziliensis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Brazil wood \Bra*zil" wood`\, Brazilwood
  \Bra*zil"wood`\(br[.a]*z[i^]l" w[oo^]d`). [OE. brasil, LL.
     brasile (cf. Pg. & Sp. brasil, Pr. bresil, Pr. bresil); perh.
     from Sp. or Pg. brasa a live coal (cf. Braze, Brasier);
     or Ar. vars plant for dyeing red or yellow. This name was
     given to the wood from its color; and it is said that King
     Emanuel, of Portugal, gave the name Brazil to the country in
     South America on account of its producing this wood.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. The wood of the oriental C[ae]salpinia Sapan; -- so
        called before the discovery of America.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A very heavy wood of a reddish color, imported from Brazil
        and other tropical countries, for cabinet-work, and for
        dyeing. The best is the heartwood of Caesalpinia  echinata
        , a leguminous tree; but other trees also yield
        it. An inferior sort comes from Jamaica, the timber of
        Caesalpinia Braziliensis and Caesalpinia crista. This
        is often distinguished as Braziletto, but the better
        kind is also frequently so named. The wood is also used
        for violin bows.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. a tropical tree (Caesalpinia echinata) with a prickly
        trunk; its heavy red heartwood (also called brazilwood)
        yields a red dye and is used for cabinetry.
  
     Syn: peachwood, pernambuco wood.
          [WordNet 1.5]