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babassu

noun
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ba·​bas·​su | \ ˌbä-bə-ˈsü How to pronounce babassu (audio) \

Definition of babassu

: a tall pinnate-leaved palm (Orbignya phalerata synonym O. barbosiana) of Brazil with hard-shelled nuts yielding a valuable oil

Examples of babassu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This popular sulfate-free shampoo gently cleanses curls while delivering nourishing moisture and supporting growth via organic babassu oil. — Victoria Moorhouse, Forbes, "The 10 Best Shampoos For Dry, Damaged Hair," 3 Mar. 2021 This led me to pluck you, a bright fuschia packaged bottle with honey listed as an ingredient — alongside other standouts like murumuru butter and babassu oil — off my beauty supply's shelf. — Gabi Thorne, Allure, "Mielle's Leave-In Conditioner Made Me Believe in Natural Hair Products Again," 11 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'babassu.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of babassu

1876, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for babassu

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

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Time Traveler for babassu

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The first known use of babassu was in 1876

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Statistics for babassu

Last Updated

11 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Babassu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/babassu. Accessed 16 Apr. 2021.

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