: a tropical African tree (Vitellaria paradoxa synonym Butyrospermum parkii) of the sapodilla family with fatty nuts that yield shea butter

Examples of shea tree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The shea tree is found in tropical Africa. Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 5 Apr. 2021 Hanahana provides health education to shea butter producers and farmers in rural communities across northern Ghana, as well as equipment improvements for production, and advocacy for shea tree protections. Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Bambara si

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shea tree was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Shea tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shea%20tree. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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