varnish tree

American  

noun

1. any of various trees yielding sap or other substances used for varnish, as Rhus verniciflua, of Japan.

2. an Asian tree, Koelreuteria paniculata, of the soapberry family, having showy clusters of yellow flowers from 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) long, and papery, brilliantly colored pods with black seeds, grown as an ornamental.

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varnish tree British  

noun

1. any of various trees, such as the lacquer tree, yielding substances used to make varnish or lacquer

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Etymology

Origin of varnish tree

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

Near Premsong’s the varnish tree was shewn to me, it is obviously a species of Rhus. 

From Project Gutenberg