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Balsa - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Balsa is a lightweight wood from a tropical tree, often used in model building and crafts due to its softness and buoyancy. It is also known for its strength relative to its weight.

balsa

/ˈbɔlsə/ /ˈbɔːlsə/

Definition:

A lightweight wood from a tropical American tree, used for making models and rafts.

Synonyms:

corkwood, lightweight wood, model wood

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

hardwood, dense wood

Common Collocations:

balsa wood, balsa model, balsa raft, balsa airplane

Derivatives:

balsalike, balsaceous

Usage Tips:

Use "balsa" to refer to the lightweight wood often used in crafts and model-making due to its softness and buoyancy.

Common Phrases:

light as balsa, balsa-wood construction, floating on balsa

Etymology:

From Spanish "balsa," meaning "raft," originally from Latin "balsamum," referring to its buoyant properties.

Examples:

  • 1. The model airplane was made of balsa for lightness.
  • 2. Balsa floats easily because it is less dense than water.
  • 3. He carved a small boat from a block of balsa wood.
  • 4. Artists often use balsa for crafting delicate structures.

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