balsa

Meaning

1. A large tree, Ochroma pyramidale, native to tropical America, with wood that is very light in weight.
2. The wood of this tree.
3. A raft or float, used principally on the Pacific coast of South America.

Synonyms

balsa wood

Ochroma lagopus

tree

🌳

corkwood

Ochroma pyramidale

ochroma lagopus

lumber

pillow tree

timber

wood

🪵

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈbɔːl.sə/

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish balsa, from a pre-Roman substrate of Iberia, probably Basque [Term?] or Iberian [Term?]. Not related to balsam.