tung oil

[tuhng]

noun

1. a yellow drying oil derived from the seeds of a tung tree, Aleurites fordii, used in varnishes, linoleum, etc.

tung oil

/ tʌŋ /

noun

1. Also called: Chinese wood oil. a fast-drying oil obtained from the seeds of a central Asian euphorbiaceous tree, Aleurites fordii , used in paints, varnishes, etc, as a drying agent and to give a water-resistant finish

Word History and Origins

Origin of tung oil¹

1880–85; tung < Chinese tóng tung tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of tung oil¹

partial translation of Chinese yu t'ung tung tree oil, from yu oil + t'ung tung tree

Example Sentences

Teak can be oiled yearly with tung oil to prevent the gray patina, but oil should be applied after the furniture is fully clean and dry.

From New York Times

Blanner doesn’t worry about stains or scratches on her own table, as it has a nice patina on it that she regularly treats with tung oil.

From Washington Post

One of Jefferson’s successful innovations was flooring of very pale, quarter-sawn white oak, polished to a high gloss with beeswax and tung oil.

From Washington Post

This was where the tung oil plant was.

From Washington Times

Forget about topping the sealed countertop with tung oil, as the Fireslate Web site suggests.

From Washington Post