candlenut

[ kan-dl-nuht ]

noun

1. the oily fruit or nut of a southeastern Asian tree, Aleurites moluccana, of the spurge family, the kernels of which when strung together are used locally as candles.
2. the tree itself.

candlenut

/ ˈkændəlˌnʌt /

noun

1. a euphorbiaceous tree, Aleurites mollucana, of tropical Asia and Polynesia
2. the nut of this tree, which yields an oil used in paints and varnishes. In their native regions the nuts are strung together and burned as candles

Word History and Origins

Origin of candlenut¹

First recorded in 1850–55; candle + nut

Example Sentences

Global Forest Watch says there are around 50 to 60 other, more environmentally friendly plants apart from palm oil, like candlenut and coconut, that could be used in Indonesia.

From BBC

Along the way to Rainbow Falls he pointed out breadfruit trees and kukui, or candlenut trees, the state tree of Hawaii.

From Seattle Times

By this time, the chicken is tender, and the candlenuts have done their work of thickening the sauce in the opor ayam.

From New York Times

Only in the cocoanut-grove the candlenuts were lit as the stars peeped through the roof of the world.

From Project Gutenberg

There were forests of koa and kolea trees, and candlenut trees; and then there were the trees called ohia-ai, which bore red mountain apples, mellow and juicy and most excellent to eat.

From Project Gutenberg