babassu

noun

ba·​bas·​su ˌbä-bə-ˈsü How to pronounce babassu (audio)
: a tall pinnate-leaved palm (Attalea speciosa synonym Orbignya phalerata) of Brazil with hard-shelled nuts yielding a valuable oil

Examples of babassu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Miracle Hair Oil in 30-milliliter travel size is a lightweight 5-in-1 oil blend containing kukui nut, babassu and pracaxi oils, alongside quinoa extract and green walnut. Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025 It’s formulated with babassu oil, which smooths the cuticle and locks in moisture, while murumuru butter softens dry curls and coils. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 7 July 2025 In the end, Ouai landed on a formula that pleased everyone across the texture spectrum—one that forgoes silicones for a litany of oils: linseed and chia to define shape, babassu, coconut, and soybean to add moisture and shine. Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025 The stick also contains avocado and babassu oil to moisturize and nourish the skin. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for babassu

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese babaçú, from Tupi *ɨβáwasú, from ɨβá fruit + -wasú large

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of babassu was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“Babassu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/babassu. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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