Lecythis \Lec"y*this\ (l[e^]s"[i^]*th[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr. 3
an oil flask.] (Bot.)
A genus of gigantic trees, chiefly Brazilian, of the order
{Myrtace[ae]}, having woody capsules opening by an apical
lid. {Lecythis Zabucajo} yields the delicious sapucaia nuts.
{Lecythis Ollaria} produces the monkey-pots, its capsules.
Its bark separates into thin sheets, like paper, used by the
natives for cigarette wrappers.
[1913 Webster]