1550s, from Spanish/Portuguese terra de brasil "red-dye-wood land," from Spanish brasil or Italian brasile, probably connected to French braize (see braize) for resemblance of color to a glowing ember (but Old Italian form verzino suggests a possible connection with Arabic wars "saffron"). Originally the name of a type of wood from an East Indian tree, used in making dye; the name later was transferred to a similar South American species. Brazil in reference to the wood is attested in English from late 14c. Complicating matters is Hy Brasil, a name applied by 1436 to one of the larger Azores Islands, later transferred to a legendary island or rock off the west coast of Ireland (sighted in 1791 at lat. 51?° 10', long. 15?° 58').
例文
1. Brazil is putting forward a new debt repayment plan.
ブラジルは新しい債務返済計画を提案しようとしている。
2. Brazil says its constitution forbids the private ownership of energy assets.
ブラジルは、個人がエネルギー資産を占有することを憲法で禁止していると主張している。
3.Mr Mendes was leading a campaign to save Brazil 's rainforest from exploitation.
メンデルス氏は乱伐に遭ったブラジルの熱帯雨林を救うための運動を指導している。
4.The constitution also confers large powers on Brazil 's 25 constituent states.
憲法はブラジルの25のメンバー州にも大きな権限を与えている。
5.The President is in Brazil for an official two-day visit.