tung oil

[ tuhng ]

noun

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

tung oil

/ tʌŋ /

noun

1. 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 Also calledChinese wood oil

Word History and Origins

Origin of tung oil¹

1880–85; tung < Chinese tóng tung tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of tung oil¹

partial translation of Chinese yu t'ung tung tree oil, from yu oil + t'ung tung tree

Example Sentences

During the boiling of raw tung oil the temperature must not exceed much over 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

From Project Gutenberg

Treated tung oil will dry to a clear, water-shedding, elastic film.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Tung Oil

What does tung oil ​mean?

Tung oil is a type of oil made from the seeds of the tung tree. 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 known for its use in making tung oil and for that reason it is sometimes called the tung-oil tree. The tree is native to China and tung oil is sometimes sold or labeled as Chinese wood oil. 

Example: My aunt is a woodworker, and she prefers to use tung oil instead of artificial varnishes.

Where does tung oil come from?

The first records of the term tung oil come from the 1880s. It comes from a partial translation of the Chinese yu t’ung, in which yu means “oil” and t’ung means “tung tree.”

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.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for tung oil?

• Chinese wood oil

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

• tung-oil tree
• tung tree

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

• drying oil
• varnish
• water-resistant
• finish
• wood
• paint

How is tung oil used in real life?

Tung oil is used by woodworkers.

Im so stoked. My dad and I are making a coffee table together out of my old bed and I think it’s gonna look so nice 😭 we’re gonna make a shelf underneath made from copper pipes too Ahhh!! Just have to do some mixing of tung oil stains to see what colour I’m wanting ahh

— Ropo (@roizeey) January 10, 2021

A darling spoon in Blue Lagoon made by @crowdogslojd and finished with Pure Tung Oil. This lovely spoon has a big personality! Look at those fine details in the handle! For more astounding work, checkout @crowdogslojd feed!https://t.co/8xqDgIrJTx#realmilkpaintco pic.twitter.com/OiI4HgSTHp

— Real Milk Paint Co (@RealMilkPaintCo) January 10, 2021

Made by pressing the nut of the tung tree. Tung Oil has historical applications in house paint. It is very durable for indoors or outside applications. Tung oil does not darken noticeably with age. Tung oil is the glossiest and hardest once dry. #ecofriendly #triart #triart25 pic.twitter.com/7tkidmFm5h

— Tri-Art Mfg. inc (@TriArtMfg) November 20, 2019

 

 

Try using tung oil!

True or False? 

Tung oil is sometimes labeled as Chinese wood oil.