Definition of copal in English:
copal
noun
Resin from any of a number of tropical trees, used to make varnish.
The resin is obtained from trees in the families Leguminosae (genera Guibourtia, Copaifera, and Trachylobium) and Araucariaceae (genus Agathis)
‘In one culture a shaman uses tobacco, sage or cannabis, in others copal, frankincense, sandalwood, cedar, juniper or pine.’- ‘Her breath reeked of scalded sugar, copal, and agave.’
- ‘The book begins by defining amber and differentiating it from copal or more recent and, as yet, undistilled resin.’
- ‘If the resin has hardened in recent times, it is called copal.’
- ‘This meant that forest economies, including the trade in wild rubber, copal, wax, ivory, and timber, were effectively circumscribed.’
Pronunciation
Origin
Late 16th century via Spanish from Nahuatl copalli ‘incense’.
Are You Learning English? Here Are Our Top English Tips