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Glite Dictionary
Copernicia cerifera

Copernicia cerifera

9.9
A Brazilian fan palm that gives edible roots, strong fibers, and hard yellow wax
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Copernicia cerifera
  • Copernicia cerifera is cultivated in Brazil for its valuable carnauba wax.

Examples

  • The leaves of Copernicia cerifera supply strong natural fibers used in handicrafts.

  • Researchers are studying the edible root of Copernicia cerifera for its nutritional benefits.

  • The Copernicia cerifera is known for its edible roots.

  • Many artisans use Copernicia cerifera fibers for crafting.

  • Copernicia cerifera is harvested for its carnauba wax, which is often used in cosmetics and food products.

  • The edible roots of Copernicia cerifera are a staple for many communities in Brazil.

  • Artisans create beautiful items using the fibers derived from Copernicia cerifera, showcasing their craftsmanship.

Synonyms

Copernicia prunifera
vsCopernicia cerifera
  • Specialized
9.9

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

describes the wax as hard rather than just yellowish
carnauba palm
vsCopernicia cerifera
9.3

A Brazilian fan palm with an edible root used for wax and leaf fiber

highlights its edible root and wax that is yellowish and hard
carnauba
vsCopernicia cerifera
9.9

A Brazilian palm tree that gives yellow wax and leaf fiber

notes the wax is hard rather than brittle in texture

Surface Forms

Copernicia cerifera singular
Copernicia ceriferas plural

Morphology

Copernicia + cerifera

This is a scientific binomial: knowing 'Copernicia' (a genus of fan palms) lets a learner infer the phrase denotes a type of palm, which is a transparent taxonomic relation common across languages. However, the specific epithet 'cerifera' is not a familiar English word (it requires Latin/botanical knowledge to interpret 'wax-bearing') and the detailed senses in the definition (edible roots, fiber and wax source) are not deducible from the constituents alone, so the overall meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Copernicia cerifera is a two-part Latin name: Copernicia honors the astronomer Copernicus, and cerifera comes from Latin meaning 'wax-bearing'. Because the palm makes a hard yellow 'wax' called carnauba that people collect and use, the name helps you remember this plant for its wax.