kukui

[ koo-koo-ee ]

noun

1. the candlenut tree, Aleurites moluccana, of the spurge family, having grayish leaves and clusters of small white flowers: the state tree of Hawaii.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kukui¹

Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1815–25

Example Sentences

Coffee trees in Kona are planted principally in the open, though sometimes they are shaded by the native kukui trees.

From Project Gutenberg

The Kukui tree is easily recognizable from afar off by the pale hue of its foliage, which appears to be dusted over with flour.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the conspicuous trees of the Hawaiian forests is the Kukui or candle-nut.

From Project Gutenberg

Fine varieties were even made of the kukui (Aleurites moluccana).

From Project Gutenberg

They grow on a beautiful tree called "kukui," or candle-nut tree.

From Project Gutenberg