babassu

noun

ba·​bas·​su ˌbä-bə-ˈsü 

: 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

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

This hair mask, in particular, repairs damage in-between trims to strengthen hair over time, thanks to a blend of babassu and cupuaçu butter from Peru. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for babassu

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue