balsas
|bal-sas|
/ˈbɔːlsə/
(balsa)
very light, soft wood
Etymology
'balsa' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'balsa', where it meant 'raft' (and by extension the wood used for rafts).
'balsa' entered English from Spanish (borrowed into English in the 18th–19th century) and was used both for rafts and later for the light wood of the balsa tree.
Initially, it meant 'raft' in Spanish and related languages; over time English also adopted the sense of the lightweight wood (used for models and flotation), while retaining the 'raft' sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'balsa' meaning the light, soft wood from the balsa tree (used for model-building and insulation).
Many model gliders are built from balsas because the wood is so light.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural form of 'balsa' meaning a raft or small boat (originally made from balsa wood); used of more than one raft.
The villagers sailed across the river on balsas.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/08 09:14