oiticica

noun

oi·​ti·​ci·​ca ˌȯi-tə-ˈsē-kə How to pronounce oiticica (audio)
: any of several South American trees
especially : a Brazilian tree (Licania rigida) with seeds that yield a drying oil similar to tung oil

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from Tupi witɨsɨ́ka, from wití, the tree Licania tomentosa + ɨsɨ́ka resin

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oiticica was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near oiticica

Cite this Entry

“Oiticica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oiticica. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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