bombax

noun

bom·​bax
ˈbämˌbaks
1
capitalized : a large genus of trees (family Bombacaceae) chiefly of South America, a few of India, and one of Africa having digitate leaves and showy white or scarlet flowers compare ceiba
2
plural -es : any tree of the genus Bombax

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin (Linnaeus), going back to Medieval Latin bambax, bombax "cotton plant, cotton fiber"

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near bombax

Cite this Entry

“Bombax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombax. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!