: the oily seed of a tropical tree (Aleurites moluccana) of the spurge family used locally to make candles and commercially as a source of oil
also : this tree

Examples of candlenut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The broth warms your whole body with a blend of spices including cloves, galangal, candlenut and cinnamon. The Indianapolis Star, 25 Jan. 2024 The sick patient had eaten candlenuts, but the symptoms were unexpected. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 14 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of candlenut was circa 1836

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Cite this Entry

“Candlenut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candlenut. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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