Copal, a hard, clear, amberlike substance secreted by the sapwood and inner bark of certain trees. Copal is obtained from many kinds of tropical trees. It is also found in lumps in the ground, having been deposited by trees that died hundreds or even thousands of years ago. Copal is used in making high-grade varnishes. It has been replaced to some extent by synthetic products. Copal-producing trees are found in tropical East Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the East Indies.