Definition

Noun: 1. A tropical tree with a prickly trunk: Refers specifically to trees of the genera Caesalpinia (such as C. echinata) or Haematoxylum. Its heavy, dense red wood is valued. 2. The wood from such a tree: This heavy, typically red-colored wood is historically important as a source of dye and is used in fine woodworking and for making violin bows.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Referring to the tree):

  • The brazilwood tree is native to the Atlantic coast of Brazil.
  • Logging of brazilwood was a major early industry in the colony.

• Noun (Referring to the wood):

  • The luthier selected a piece of seasoned brazilwood for the violin bow.
  • The red dye extracted from brazilwood was once highly prized in Europe.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Economic Context: The wood's name is the origin of the country name "Brazil," due to its immense economic importance in the 16th century.
  • The Portuguese crown established a monopoly on the brazilwood trade.

Variants and Related Words

• Pernambuco wood: Another name for the high-quality brazilwood from , specifically used for bow-making.
• Brazilin: (Noun) The red dye compound extracted from brazilwood.
• Sappanwood: () A related Asian tree also yielding a red dye, sometimes called East Indian brazilwood.

Synonyms

• Pau-brasil (Portuguese term)
• Pernambuco (for the bow-making wood)

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes the tree species and their wood, not the country (Brazil). The country was named after the tree, not vice versa.
• In modern usage, it is primarily a specialist term in forestry, history, and musical instrument craftsmanship.

Noun

1. tropical tree with prickly trunk; its heavy red wood yields a red dye and is used for cabinetry
2. heavy wood of various brazilwood trees; used for violin bows and as dyewoods