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

It’s a fitting name, given its ever-changing array of punchy plates from Penang curry with salted beef and candlenut to grilled salted beef served with “daddy’s special sauce.”

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Global Forest Watch says there are around 50 to 60 other, more environmentally friendly plants apart from palm oil, like candlenut and coconut, that could be used in Indonesia.

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Along the way to Rainbow Falls he pointed out breadfruit trees and kukui, or candlenut trees, the state tree of Hawaii.

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By this time, the chicken is tender, and the candlenuts have done their work of thickening the sauce in the opor ayam.

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Only in the cocoanut-grove the candlenuts were lit as the stars peeped through the roof of the world.

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