cocobolo
UK[ˌkəʊkəˈbəʊləʊ]US[ˌkoʊkəˈboʊloʊ]
n
a tropical american tree of the genus dalbergia, valued for its hard, dense, colorful wood.
n
the dark, often streaked wood of the cocobolo tree, used for making fine furniture and knife handles.
Etymology
the word 'cocobolo' entered english via spanish, where it was used to name a specific, valuable hardwood tree. its ultimate origin lies in the indigenous languages of central america, such as the miskito word for the tree. the term is a direct borrowing, reflecting the european encounter with and naming of new world flora based on local designations. as a loanword, its form has been adapted to fit english phonology but its structure is not analyzable into meaningful greek or latin roots within the english lexicon.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from spanish, which itself borrowed it from a local indigenous language of central america (likely from nicaragua or panama). it does not contain separable classical morphemes within english.
Examples
the craftsman selected a piece of richly grained cocobolo for the guitar's fretboard.
due to overharvesting, genuine cocobolo has become increasingly rare and expensive.
the knife's handle, made from cocobolo, felt smooth and substantial in the hand.