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Japan wax

noun
  1. 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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Origin of Japan wax

First recorded in 1855–60
Also called Japan tallow, sumac wax.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for japan wax

Japan wax

Japan tallow

noun
  1. a yellow wax obtained from the berries of plants of the genus Rhus. It is used in making matches, soaps, candles, and polishes
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012