candlenut

[ kan-dl-nuht ]

noun

1. the oily fruit or nut of a southeastern Asian tree, Aleurites moluccana, of the spurge family, the kernels of which when strung together are used locally as candles.
2. the tree itself.

candlenut

/ ˈkændəlˌnʌt /

noun

1. a euphorbiaceous tree, Aleurites mollucana, of tropical Asia and Polynesia
2. the nut of this tree, which yields an oil used in paints and varnishes. In their native regions the nuts are strung together and burned as candles

Word History and Origins

Origin of candlenut¹

First recorded in 1850–55; candle + nut

Example Sentences

One or two candlenut torches dimly illumined the figures of the squatting women who remained.

From Project Gutenberg

The blue of the candlenut-ink, in bizzare designs upon body and legs, had turned a scaly greenish hue from age and kava excesses.

From Project Gutenberg

Candlenut-bark gave a rich chocolate hue; scarlet was obtained from the mati-berries mixed with the leaves of the tou.

From Project Gutenberg

At first, the way is through a perfect forest of breadfruit, candlenut, and palm trees.

From Project Gutenberg

The ama, the candlenut-tree, shed its oily nuts on the earth.

From Project Gutenberg