BAOBAB Definition & Meaning

baobab

[ bey-oh-bab, bah-oh-, bou-bab ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any large tree belonging to the genus Adansonia, of the bombax family, especially A. digitata, which is native to tropical Africa, has an exceedingly thick trunk, and bears a gourdlike fruit.

baobab

/ ˈ��ɪəʊˌ��æ�� /

noun

a bombacaceous tree, Adansonia digitata , native to Africa, that has a very thick trunk, large white flowers, and a gourdlike fruit with an edible pulp called monkey bread Also calledbottle treemonkey bread tree

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of baobab¹

First recorded in 1630–40, baobab is from the New Latin word bahobab, first cited in a description of the tree's fruit by Italian physician and botanist Prospero Alpini (1553–1616 or 17); origin obscure

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of baobab¹

C17: probably from a native African word

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Example Sentences

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Zoom out and these pointillist patterns are colorful doubles of the black-and-white photographs of baobab trees mounted in the foreground.

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Ground baobab fruit, peanut butter, milk and leafy green vegetables are stirred into the porridge to add extra nutrients.

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The iconic baobabs, also known as upside-down trees, or the tree of life, have much cultural significance, inspiring innumerable arts, folklore, and traditions.

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The baobab is known as the "upside down tree" or "tree of life"

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For all the tales told about baobabs, though, their origin story has remained a mystery.

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