baobab

noun

bao·​bab ˈbau̇-ˌbab  ˈbā-ə-ˌbab 

: a broad-trunked tropical tree (Adansonia digitata) of the silk-cotton family that is native to Africa and has an edible acidic fruit resembling a gourd and bark used in making paper, cloth, and rope

also : any of several related trees chiefly of Madagascar and Australia

Examples of baobab in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The wonders of Madagascar 1 of 14 CNN — For millions of years, mighty baobabs have been standing sentry on three different landmasses, posing each other an existential question: Who came first? —Tom Page, CNN, 24 June 2024

During a previous study that examined African baobab trees between 2005 and 2017, researchers reported that nine of the 13 oldest and five of the six largest baobab trees on the continent died during that time. —Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2024

Scientists say these findings could shed light on modern threats to baobabs. —Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2024

These baobab seeds were likely transported across continents by the Indian Ocean gyre, a system of rotating currents in the Indian Ocean that circulate clockwise. —Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin bahobab

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

baobab

noun

bao·​bab ˈbau̇-ˌbab  ˈbā-ə- 

: a tree native to Africa with a very wide trunk

Medical Definition

baobab

noun

bao·​bab ˈbau̇-ˌbab  ˈbā-ə-ˌbab 

: a broad-trunked Old World tropical tree (Adansonia digitata) of the silk-cotton family (Bombacaceae) with an edible acid fruit resembling a gourd, leaves and bark formerly used medicinally, and bark that is used in making paper, cloth, and rope