brazilwood

Everyday

1. A tropical tree from the coast of Brazil with hard red wood. tree →
2. The red wood of this tree, used to make red dye and the best bows for violins. tree →

In the lessons

In history and geography lessons, brazilwood gave the country Brazil its name, because Portuguese traders came for its red dye. In music it is the wood of fine violin bows. It is now endangered. Phrases: "brazilwood tree", "brazilwood bow".

Examples

• Brazil was named after the brazilwood tree. tree →
• Traders used brazilwood to make red dye for cloth. tree →
• Good violin bows are made of brazilwood. tree →
• Brazilwood trees are now rare and protected. tree →
• The heartwood of brazilwood is a deep orange-red. tree →

Note

One word, usually lower case. Also called "pau-brasil" in Portuguese. Do not confuse with the brazil nut, which comes from a different tree.