tallow tree

noun

1. a small tree, Sapium sebiferum, of the spurge family, cultivated in China and the tropics, having popcorn-shaped seeds with a waxy coating that is used for soap, candles, and oil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tallow tree¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

But in China, if you received a candle, it would have to be very, very special — such as a candle made only in the southern provinces of China from tallow tree berries, using techniques that have been in place for more than 1,500 years.

From New York Times

A Chinese tallow tree, for instance, will grow from seed to two-foot-high sapling in a summer and six feet within a year.

From New York Times

The tallow tree flourishes throughout the southern provinces, but is chiefly found in the island of Chusan and the coasts adjacent.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the other plants which grow in China, which are not indeed suited for transplanting to a colder climate, yet merit 517attention on account of their produce, we shall briefly notice the varnish tree, the tallow tree, and the wax shrub.

From Project Gutenberg

Later, he sends Bartram a small box of upland rice, brought from Cochin China, and also a few seeds of the Chinese tallow tree.

From Project Gutenberg