The Collaborative International Dictionary
Copaiba \Co*pai"ba\ (?; 277), Copaiva \Co*pai"va\, n. [Sp. & Pg., fr. Brazil. cupa['u]ba.] (Med.) A more or less viscid, yellowish liquid, the bitter oleoresin of several species of Copaifera, a genus of trees growing in South America and the West Indies. It is stimulant and diuretic, and was formerly much used in affections of the mucous membranes. It is also used in varnishes and lacquers, and in cleaning oil paintings. -- called also balsam of copaiba, copaiba balsam, balsam capivi, and Jesuits' resin. [Written also capivi.]
WordNet
n. an oleoresin used in varnishes and ointments [syn: copaiba, balsam capivi]
Usage examples of "copaiba balsam".
Where alcohol was not a sufficiently powerful solvent, copaiba balsam emulsified with ammonia might be used, a preparation of copaiba balsam thinned with a little turpentine being laid on first.