copal
UK[ˈkəʊp(ə)l]US[ˈkoʊp(ə)l]
n
A hard, aromatic resin from various tropical trees, used especially in varnishes and lacquers.
Etymology
The word 'copal' is a direct linguistic import from the New World, entering the English lexicon during the age of exploration and trade. It derives from the Nahuatl term 'copalli', which broadly referred to resinous substances used as incense in Mesoamerican rituals. Spanish colonists adopted the term as 'copal' to specifically denote the valuable aromatic resin they encountered. Upon entering English, the word retained this precise meaning, shifting from a general indigenous term for incense to a specific commodity name in international trade for a type of hard resin used in varnishes and coatings.
Analysis
The word 'copal' is a simplex loanword. It originates from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word 'copalli', meaning 'resin' or 'incense'. It entered English via Spanish in the 16th century.
Examples
The artist mixed the powdered copal with linseed oil to create a traditional varnish.
Archaeologists found traces of copal resin at the ancient ceremonial site.
This high-gloss finish is made from a blend of copal and other natural resins.