ˈbȯlsə also -äl- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Spanish
1.
a. : a tree ( Ochroma lagopus ) of Central America, the West Indies, and northern So. America with wood that is lighter than cork but strong and used especially for floats
b. : the wood of this tree
2. : a Central American, So. American, or Philippine raft made of bundles of grass or reeds lashed together
3. : a life raft made of two cylinders of metal or wood joined by a framework and often used for landing through surf