Chinese lacquer tree

9.9

A small tree from China and Japan that makes a poisonous sap used to make a hard shiny coating

noun

: árbol de laca

The Chinese lacquer tree is cultivated for its valuable sap used in traditional lacquerware.

Examples

Workers carefully collect sap from the Chinese lacquer tree, wearing protective gear because it is toxic.
Lacquerware artisans value the Chinese lacquer tree for the quality of its natural resin.
The Chinese lacquer tree is known for its toxic sap.
Many Chinese lacquer trees grow in Japan.
Artisans around the world appreciate the Chinese lacquer tree for its toxic sap, which is essential for making durable lacquer products.
In rural Japan, the Chinese lacquer tree is carefully tended to ensure a plentiful harvest of its resin.
The Chinese lacquer tree produces a sap that, while toxic, is prized for its use in traditional lacquer crafts.

Synonyms

Toxicodendron vernicifluum

vsChinese lacquer tree

Specialized

9.9

A small Asian tree that makes a poisonous sap used to make lacquer

is the common regional term stressing nativity to China and Japan

Rhus verniciflua

vsChinese lacquer tree

Specialized

9.9

A small Asian tree whose sap makes a hard shiny finish for wood and can cause skin allergy

is the common regional term stressing nativity to China and Japan

lacquer tree

vsChinese lacquer tree

9.3

A small Asian tree that gives a poisonous sap used to make a hard shiny finish

is the regional label that specifically emphasises China and Japan origin

Japanese lacquer tree

vsChinese lacquer tree

9.3

A small East Asian tree that makes a poisonous sap used for lacquer

is the broader regional name that highlights China and Japan nativity

Japanese sumac

vsChinese lacquer tree

9.9

A small Asian tree whose sap can cause a skin rash and is used to make lacquer

is the regional phrase focusing more on China and Japan origin

varnish tree

vsChinese lacquer tree

Indian

9.9

A small Asian tree that gives a poisonous sap used to make lacquer

is the regional label that highlights nativity to China and Japan

Japanese varnish tree

vsChinese lacquer tree

9.9

A small tree from East Asia that loses its leaves and has toxic sap used to make lacquer

is the regional term emphasising native status rather than ornamental use

Surface Forms

Chinese lacquer tree singular

Chinese lacquer trees plural

Morphology

Chinese + lacquer + tree

Each constituent contributes directly and compositionally: 'Chinese' specifies origin, 'lacquer' names the substance, and 'tree' denotes a plant, so the phrase denotes a tree associated with lacquer (one that produces or is used for lacquer). This literal, compositional structure is cross-linguistically common and therefore readily inferable by a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Chinese lacquer tree is a small tree from Asia that gives a thick, shiny but poisonous 'sap'. Workers collect that 'sap' and use it to make lacquer, so the name shows it is the tree that gives the lacquer.