baobab

[ bey-oh-bab, bah-oh-, bou-bab ]
/ ˈbeɪ oʊˌbæb, ˈbɑ oʊ-, ˈbaʊ bæb /

noun

any large tree belonging to the genus Adansonia, of the bombax family, especially A. digitata, which is native to tropical Africa, has an exceedingly thick trunk, and bears a gourdlike fruit.

Origin of baobab

First recorded in 1630–40, baobab is from the New Latin word bahobab, first cited in a description of the tree's fruit by Italian physician and botanist Prospero Alpini (1553–1616 or 17); origin obscure

Words nearby baobab

banyana banyana, banzai, banzai attack, bao, bao dai, baobab, baoding, baoji, baoqing, baor, baoshan

Example sentences from the Web for baobab

British Dictionary definitions for baobab

baobab
/ (ˈbeɪəʊˌbæb) /

noun

a bombacaceous tree, Adansonia digitata, native to Africa, that has a very thick trunk, large white flowers, and a gourdlike fruit with an edible pulp called monkey bread Also called: bottle tree, monkey bread tree

Word Origin for baobab

C17: probably from a native African word