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tung tree

noun

  1. any of several trees belonging to the genus Aleurites, of the spurge family, especially A. fordii, of China, bearing seeds that yield tung oil.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of tung tree1

First recorded in 1890–95; tung oil
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Example Sentences

For example, the butternut is hardier than the eastern black walnut and the almond is hardier than the tung tree.

There are grown in China and Japan many varieties of the “aleurites cordata,” popularly known as the tung tree.

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More About Tung Tree

What is a tung tree?

The name tung tree is used to refer to several species of the genus Aleurites (part of the spurge family), especially Aleurites fordii or Vernicia fordii.

It’s sometimes called the tung-oil tree because its seeds are used to make tung oil.

Tung oil is a drying oil, which is a kind of oil that hardens when exposed to air and forms a tough, elastic layer on the surface that it’s applied to.

These qualities are why drying oils like tung oil are used as a base for some paints and varnishes, such as those used in woodworking. Tung oil can be applied to wood to give it a water-resistant finish.

The tung tree is native to China and tung oil is sometimes sold or labeled as Chinese wood oil. 

Example: The tung tree is known for being the source of tung oil, but it’s also very beautiful, especially when its flowers bloom.

Where does tung tree come from?

The word tung comes from the Chinese name for the tree, t’ung.

Tung oil is preferred as a finishing oil by some woodworkers for a variety of reasons, especially for being water-resistant and creating a glossy finish.

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What are some synonyms for tung tree?

What are some words that share a root or word element with tung tree

What are some words that often get used in discussing tung tree?

How is tung tree used in real life?

The tung tree is known for being the source of tung oil, which is used by woodworkers.

 

Try using tung tree!

True or False? 

The tung tree is native to North America.

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