any of several African trees of the meliaceous genus Khaya, esp K. ivorensis, that have wood similar to that of true mahogany
2.
the wood of any of these trees, used for furniture, etc
3.
any of various other African woods that resemble true mahogany
African mahogany in American English
noun
1.
a large tree, Khaya ivorensis, of western Africa, having hard wood resembling true mahogany, widely used in cabinetmaking and boatbuilding
2.
any of several related or similar African hardwood trees
3.
the wood of any of these trees
Word origin
[1835–45]This word is first recorded in the period 1835–45. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: ecumenical, faceplate, hot plate, hybridize, protein