balsa

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun strong lightweight wood of the balsa tree used especially for floats
  2. noun forest tree of lowland Central America having a strong very light wood; used for making floats and rafts and in crafts

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish balsa, from Paleo-Hispanic, probably Basque [Term?] or Iberian [Term?]. Not related to balsam.

In classic literature

Synonyms

balsa wood

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