balsa meaning and definition

BALSA noun

Definition of balsa (noun)

1. A tropical American tree (Ochroma pyramidale) notable for its extremely light and buoyant timber.
   • "The balsa tree is native to the rainforests of Central and South America."
   • "Balsa is renowned for its lightness, making it a popular choice for model airplanes."
   • "Due to its buoyant nature, balsa is often used in the construction of life rafts."
   • synonyms: Ochroma lagopus
2. The light, soft wood of the balsa tree.
   • "Balsa wood is easy to carve, making it a favourite among hobbyists."
   • "Balsa wood's low density makes it ideal for floatation devices."
   • "Despite its lightness, balsa wood has remarkable strength."
   • synonyms: balsa wood