copalche

noun

co·​pal·​che

ˌkōpəlˈchā

kəˈpal(ˌ)chā

variants or copalchi

ˌkōpəlˈchē,

ˈ⸗⸗ˌ⸗,

kəˈpal(ˌ)chē

plural -s

1

: either of two South American trees (Strychnos pseudo-quina and Croton niveus) having bitter medicinal bark used locally as a febrifuge

2

: a Mexican shrub or small tree (Coutarea latiflora) of the family Rubiaceae having fragrant white flowers and bark that is used locally as a febrifuge

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish copalché, copalchí

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