【化】 巴西红木
【医】 巴西苏木, 猬毛云实

Brazil wood \Bra*zil" wood`\, Brazilwood
\Bra*zil"wood`\(br[.a]*z[i^]l" w[oo^]d`). [OE. brasil, LL.
brasile (cf. Pg. & Sp. brasil, Pr. bresil, Pr. bresil); perh.
from Sp. or Pg. brasa a live coal (cf. {Braze}, {Brasier});
or Ar. vars plant for dyeing red or yellow. This name was
given to the wood from its color; and it is said that King
Emanuel, of Portugal, gave the name Brazil to the country in
South America on account of its producing this wood.]
1. The wood of the oriental {C[ae]salpinia Sapan}; -- so
called before the discovery of America.

2. A very heavy wood of a reddish color, imported from Brazil
and other tropical countries, for cabinet-work, and for
dyeing. The best is the heartwood of {Caesalpinia
echinata}, a leguminous tree; but other trees also yield
it. An inferior sort comes from Jamaica, the timber of
{Caesalpinia Braziliensis} and {Caesalpinia crista}. This
is often distinguished as {Braziletto}, but the better
kind is also frequently so named. The wood is also used
for violin bows.

3. a tropical tree ({Caesalpinia echinata}) with a prickly
trunk; its heavy red heartwood (also called brazilwood)
yields a red dye and is used for cabinetry.

Syn: peachwood, pernambuco wood.
[WordNet 1.5]