carnauba
[ kahr-nou-buh, -naw-, -noo- ]
/ kɑrˈnaʊ bə, -ˈnɔ-, -ˈnu- /
noun
a palm, Copernicia prunifera, of Brazil, having palmate leaves covered with wax.
Also called carnauba wax.
the hard, lustrous wax obtained from the leaves of this tree, used as a polish or floor wax.
Origin of carnauba
1850–55; < Brazilian Portuguese < Tupi
karanaʾiwa
Words nearby carnauba
carnaroli,
carnarvon,
carnassial,
carnatic,
carnation,
carnauba,
carneades,
carnegie,
carnegie hall,
carnegie unit,
carnegie, andrew
Example sentences from the Web for carnauba
The carnauba root likewise has a diuretic power, and possesses unusual efficacy, in the cure of acute and chronic blennorrhas.
If the ratio is above 3.8, it is very probable that Japanese or carnauba wax or grease has been added.
Carnauba wax is extensively used in the manufacture of candles.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II |Arnold Cooley
British Dictionary definitions for carnauba
carnauba
/ (kɑːˈnaʊbə) /
noun
Also called: wax palm
a Brazilian fan palm, Copernicia cerifera
Also called: carnauba wax
the wax obtained from the young leaves of this tree, used esp as a polish
Word Origin for carnauba
from Brazilian Portuguese, probably of Tupi origin