balsa

/ˈbɔːl.sə/

BƆːL · sə (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A large tree, Ochroma pyramidale, native to tropical America, with wood that is very light in weight.

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish balsa, from Paleo-Hispanic, probably Basque [Term?] or Iberian [Term?]. Not related to balsam.