babassu

noun

ba·​bas·​su ˌbä-bə-ˈsü How to pronounce babassu (audio)
: a tall pinnate-leaved palm (Attalea speciosa synonym Orbignya phalerata) of Brazil with hard-shelled nuts yielding a valuable oil

Examples of babassu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the end, Ouai landed on a formula that pleased everyone across the texture spectrum—one that forgoes silicones for a litany of oils: linseed and chia to define shape, babassu, coconut, and soybean to add moisture and shine. Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025 The stick also contains avocado and babassu oil to moisturize and nourish the skin. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025 This hair mask, in particular, repairs damage in-between trims to strengthen hair over time, thanks to a blend of babassu and cupuaçu butter from Peru. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 In this tightening balm, the seaweed melds with a softening blend of passion fruit seed, coconut, acai, and babassu oils. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for babassu

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese babaçú, from Tupi *ɨβáwasú, from ɨβá fruit + -wasú large

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of babassu was in 1876

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Babassu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/babassu. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!