oiticica

noun

oi·ti·ci·ca ˌȯi-tə-ˈsē-kə

: any of several South American trees

especially : a Brazilian tree (Licania rigida) with seeds that yield a drying oil similar to tung oil

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from Tupi witɨsɨ́ka, from wití, the tree Licania tomentosa + ɨsɨ́ka resin

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of oiticica was in 1857

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Oita

oiticica

oiticica oil

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Oiticica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oiticica. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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