shea

/ʃiːə/

Definitions

1. noun

a type of tropical tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) native to Africa, from which shea butter is extracted

“The villagers used shea nuts to create valuable shea butter for trade.”

2. noun

a type of oil obtained from the nut of the shea tree, used in cosmetics and skincare products

“She applied shea oil to her hands to moisturize them after washing dishes.”

3. noun

a soft, yellowish or brownish oil or fat extracted from the nut of the shea tree

“Shea butter was used in ancient Egyptian cosmetics for skin and hair care.”

4. verb

to extract shea butter or oil from the nut of the shea tree

“The women would shea the nuts for hours to get the valuable oil.”

Synonyms

  • Vitellaria
  • butyrospermum