Definition
A tropical hardwood tree (genus Swietenia) prized for its rich reddish-brown color and durability, widely used in fine furniture, shipbuilding, and cabinetry since colonial times.
Example Usage
The mahogany desk in the lawyer's office had been passed down through three generations, its finish deepened by decades of careful polishing.
Origin
From Spanish or Portuguese, possibly from a West African source, via Caribbean trade routes in the 17th century.
Fun Fact
True mahogany was so valuable during the age of sail that it became a status symbol; over-harvesting has made authentic American mahogany increasingly rare and expensive.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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