Japan wax
noun
a pale-yellow, waxy, water-insoluble solid obtained from the fruit of certain sumacs, especially Rhus succedanea, native to Japan and China: used chiefly in the manufacture of candles, furniture polishes, and floor waxes.
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What does "scattergood" mean?
a person who acts as though he or she knows everything and who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others.
a person who spends possessions or money extravagantly or wastefully; spendthrift.
a well-intentioned but naive and often ineffectual social or political reformer.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUTAlso called Japan tallow, sumac wax.
Origin of Japan wax
First recorded in 1855–60
Words nearby Japan wax
Japanese yew, Japanesque, Japanglish, Japanism, Japanize, Japan wax, jape, Japheth, Japhetic, Japlish, Japn.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for Japan wax
Japan wax
Japan tallow
noun
a yellow wax obtained from the berries of plants of the genus Rhus. It is used in making matches, soaps, candles, and polishes
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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