1. Plural of brazilwood; tropical hardwoods from trees of the genus Caesalpinia, especially C. echinata, valued for their deep red or orange dye and fine grain.
Usage: Often used in historical or commercial contexts; Also called pau-brasil or pernambuco wood
2. The deep red or orange dye extracted from brazilwood, historically used in textile dyeing.
Usage: Historical/archaic usage

Examples

• Brazilwoods were among the most valuable exports from colonial Brazil.
• The shipbuilders prized brazilwoods for their strength and durability.
• Medieval dyers used brazilwoods to create rich crimson fabrics.
• The violin maker selected brazilwoods for the instrument's back and sides.
• Portuguese traders competed fiercely for supplies of brazilwoods in the 16th century.