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Glite Dictionary
Copernicia

Copernicia

9.9
A slow-growing tropical palm with fan-shaped waxy leaves
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Copernicia
  • The Copernicia palms are renowned for producing carnauba wax.

Examples

  • A botanist studied the unique leaf structure of several Copernicia species.

  • Many Copernicia palms thrive in the wetlands of South America.

  • The Copernicia palm is known for its unique structure.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the Copernicia for its beauty.

  • A botanist studied the unique leaf structure of several Copernicia species.

  • Many Copernicia palms thrive in the wetlands of South America.

  • The Copernicia palms are renowned for producing carnauba wax.

Compounds

Copernicia alba
  • Specialized
9.9

A South American palm tree that makes a hard wax used to make polish

Copernicia australis
  • Specialized
9.9

A South American palm tree that makes a hard wax used in many products

Copernicia cerifera
  • Specialized
9.9

A Brazilian fan palm that gives edible roots, strong fibers, and hard yellow wax

Copernicia prunifera
  • Specialized
9.9

A Brazilian fan palm with edible roots and leaves used for fiber and yellow wax

Surface Forms

Copernicia singular
Copernicias plural

Etymology

Copernicia comes from the name of the astronomer Copernicus plus the plant ending -ia, which means 'related to' or 'belonging to'. A helpful way to remember it is to picture the palm's fan leaves as a small 'spinning world' like what Copernicus studied, which explains why this group of palms carries his name.