Kaffir boom

noun

-ˌbōm,
-ˌbüm
variants or kaffir boom
Africa
: coral tree
especially : a coral tree (Erythrina caffra) with scarlet flowers and light soft wood sometimes used for fence posts or shingles see usage paragraph at kaffir

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of Afrikaans kafferboom, from Kaffer Kaffir + boom tree, from Dutch, from Middle Dutch; akin to Old English bēam tree

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Dictionary Entries Near Kaffir boom

Cite this Entry

“Kaffir boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kaffir%20boom. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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