copalche

noun

co·​pal·​che
ˌkōpəlˈchā
kəˈpal(ˌ)chā
variants or copalchi
ˌkōpəlˈchē,
ˈ⸗⸗ˌ⸗,
kəˈpal(ˌ)chē
plural -s
1
: either of two South American trees (Strychnos pseudo-quina and Croton niveus) having bitter medicinal bark used locally as a febrifuge
2
: a Mexican shrub or small tree (Coutarea latiflora) of the family Rubiaceae having fragrant white flowers and bark that is used locally as a febrifuge

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish copalché, copalchí

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Cite this Entry

“Copalche.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copalche. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

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