any of a genus (Orbignya) of Brazilian palms whose edible nuts furnish an oil used in making soap, margarine, etc.
Origin:
Port babaçú
See babassu in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A Brazilian feather-leaved palm (Orbignya phalerata) bearing hard-shelled fruits whose seeds yield an oil that is used in food and skin-care products and as a biofuel.