wax palm

noun

1. a tall, pinnate-leaved palm, Ceroxylon alpinum (or C. andicola ), of the Andes, whose stem and leaves yield a resinous wax.
2. any of several other palms that are the source of wax, as the carnauba.

wax palm

noun

1. a tall Andean palm tree, Ceroxylon andicola, having pinnate leaves that yield a resinous wax used in making candles
2. another name for carnauba

Word History and Origins

Origin of wax palm¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The soaring wax palm trees of the valley would later feature heavily onscreen.

From New York Times

Not long into the film — as towering wax palm trees filled the screen — my eyes glazed with tears.

From New York Times

The mustachioed environmentalist, known for his perpetual smile, traveled from town to town, speaking to schools and communities about the importance of protecting the birds and the wax palms in which they nest and flourish.

From Washington Post

In the guerrillas’ absence, they found, the last giant stands of wax palms faced new and dire threats.

From New York Times

This poses problems for the seeds of the wax palm.

From BBC