ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: translation of French bois de lettres; from the fancied resemblance of its markings to letters of the alphabet
1. : the mottled wood of a So. American tree ( Brosimum aubletii ) used for veneer
2. : the tree that yields letterwood