- Caesalpinia echinata
- 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
