from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Copaiba \Co*pai"ba\ (?; 277), Copaiva \Co*pai"va\, n. [Sp. &
Pg., fr. Brazil. cupa['u]ba.] (Med.)
A more or less viscid, yellowish liquid, the bitter oleoresin
of several species of {Copaifera}, a genus of trees growing
in South America and the West Indies. It is stimulant and
diuretic, and was formerly much used in affections of the
mucous membranes. It is also used in varnishes and lacquers,
and in cleaning oil paintings. -- called also {balsam of
copaiba}, {copaiba balsam}, {balsam capivi}, and {Jesuits'
resin}. [Written also {capivi}.]
[1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 +PJC]