1. a very lightweight wood from a tropical American tree, used especially in model making and rafts
2. the tropical American tree that produces balsa wood
Usage: botanical

Examples

• The model airplane was made from lightweight balsa wood.
• Students used balsa to build their bridge designs in engineering class.
• The balsa raft floated easily on the water.
• Balsa is prized by hobbyists for its easy workability.
• The balsa tree grows rapidly in Central and South America.
• She carved the delicate figurine from a piece of balsa.