balsa
|bal-sa|
🇺🇸
/ˈbɑːlsə/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɔːlsə/
very light, soft wood
Etymology
'balsa' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'balsa', where it meant 'raft' or 'pool'.
'balsa' entered English from Spanish (the Spanish word 'balsa' referring to rafts or floating devices made from the light wood) and came to denote the wood and the tree in English.
Initially, it referred to a 'raft' (or the concept of a flotation device); over time in English it evolved to refer primarily to the lightweight wood (and the tree) used to make such rafts and models.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the very light, soft wood of the balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale), used for model-making, insulation, and flotation devices.
The model airplane was built from balsa to keep it lightweight.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the tropical tree (Ochroma pyramidale) that yields balsa wood.
Balsa trees grow quickly in parts of Central and South America.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/08 02:14