Bambu
/ˈbæm.buː/noun
A variant or obsolete English form of bamboo, the tall, woody grass with hollow jointed stems.
Did you know?Unlike words such as “disaster” or “glamour,” bambu has no securely established magical or occult origin; its ultimate source remains uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
Uncertain premodern origin
Unknown
bambu
“The ultimate source is disputed; scholars cannot securely identify the original donor language.”
16th Century
Portuguese
bambu
“A term for bamboo recorded in Portuguese contexts during European expansion in Asia.”
16th–17th Century
Dutch
bamboe
“Bamboo, likely transmitted through Dutch contact and trade in Southeast Asia.”
17th Century
English
bamboo
“The plant name enters English, probably through European borrowing from Asian trade languages.”
Modern English
English
bambu
“A rare, variant, or obsolete spelling of bamboo.”