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Kaffir boom

noun
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\ -ˌbōm, -ˌbüm \
variants: or kaffir boom

Definition of Kaffir boom

Africa
: coral tree especially : a coral tree (Erythrina caffra) with scarlet flowers and light soft wood sometimes used for fence posts or shingles

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History and Etymology for Kaffir boom

partial translation of Afrikaans kafferboom, from Kaffer Kaffir + boom tree, from Dutch, from Middle Dutch; akin to Old English bēam tree

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Cite this Entry

“Kaffir boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kaffir%20boom. Accessed 26 Sep. 2021.

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