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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tung tree¹

First recorded in 1890–95; tung oil

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for tung tree?

• tung-oil tree
• Aleurites fordii
• Vernicia fordii

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

• tung oil

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

• seed
• bloom
• blossom
• drying oil
• varnish
• wood

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.

Tung tree. The seeds are pressed to make tung oil 😊 pic.twitter.com/kod1rDbck1

— Molly 😷 (@msamson56) April 25, 2018

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

The USDA shipped Greg Frost 150 tung tree seedlings. Why is he growing tung trees in Tallahassee #Florida? http://t.co/ufbgScNLie

— Florida Trend (@FloridaTrend) June 19, 2013

 

Try using tung tree!

True or False? 

The tung tree is native to North America.