any of several trees belonging to the genus Eperua, of the legume family, native to the Guianas and northern Brazil
2.
the hard, heavy wood of any of these trees, used in the construction of buildings
Word origin
[1815–25; ‹ Arawak]This word is first recorded in the period 1815–25. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: aggressive, coupon, diorama, pullout, welterweight