ENGLISH
REFERENCE

acajou

n.
C2 Proficiency aca·jou

n. a type of dark, expensive wood that comes from a tree in South America. It is often used to make high-quality furniture or musical instruments.

n. a heavy, dark brown wood obtained from the Swietenia macrophylla tree, native to South America. Often used in the production of fine furniture and musical instruments due to its density and acoustic properties.


SIMPLE

The antique desk is made of beautiful acajou.

CONTEXTUAL

The luthier spent months selecting the perfect piece of acajou to craft the body of the new violin.

COMPLEX

While the term is more common in French-speaking regions, acajou remains a highly sought-after material in the luxury furniture industry for its rich grain and durability.

Origin

Borrowed from French acajou (“cashew”), from Old Tupi akaîu. Doublet of cashew.

© 2026 English Reference