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tung oil

American  
[tuhng] / tʌŋ /

noun

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


tung oil British  
/ 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

"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

Etymology

Origin of tung oil

1880–85; tung < Chinese tóng tung tree

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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