Brazilian
/brəˈzɪl.i.ən/noun
Relating to Brazil or its people, culture, or language.
Did you know?Brazil’s name is generally linked to brazilwood, prized for its ember-red dye, although the deeper origin of the Portuguese word brasil remains debated.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Latin
Latin
brasilia
“A term associated in medieval texts with red dyewood; its exact origin is uncertain.”
12th–15th Century
Old Portuguese
brasil
“Brazilwood, a red-producing wood used as a dye.”
1500s
Portuguese
Brasil
“The newly claimed South American land, named after its commercially valuable brazilwood.”
16th Century
Portuguese
brasileiro
“A person associated with Brazil; originally connected especially with the brazilwood trade.”
17th Century
English
Brazilian
“Of or relating to Brazil; formed from Brazil with the English suffix -ian.”
Modern English
English
Brazilian
“Relating to Brazil, its people, culture, products, or language.”