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candleberry

candleberry

9.9
A small bush with scented, waxy berries used to make candles
  • noun
  • /ˈkændlˌbɛri/
  • US
translation icon : bayas de cera
  • The settlers used the wax of the candleberry to make candles during the winter months.

Examples

  • The aromatic berries of the candleberry are coated with a grey-green wax.

  • We found several candleberry shrubs growing along the edge of the forest trail.

  • The candleberry shrub thrives in well-drained soil.

  • Have you ever seen a candleberry in bloom?

  • The settlers used the wax of the candleberry to make candles during the winter months.

  • The aromatic berries of the candleberry are coated with a grey-green wax.

  • We found several candleberry shrubs growing along the edge of the forest trail.

Synonyms

bayberry
vscandleberry
  • US
1 8.1

A small shrub with leaves that smell nice and grey-green berries with a waxy layer

highlights that the berries were used historically for candle making
swamp candleberry
vscandleberry
  • Specialized
9.9

A bush with grey-green waxy berries that smell nice

notes that those berries are used to make candles
Myrica pensylvanica
vscandleberry
  • Specialized
9.9

A shrub with gray-green waxy berries and scented leaves

emphasizes the berries' traditional use in making candles

Compounds

swamp candleberry
  • Specialized
9.9

A bush with grey-green waxy berries that smell nice

Surface Forms

candleberry singular
candleberries plural

Morphology

candleberry = candle + berry (transparent) = candle + berry

The compound's meaning is directly inferred from 'candle' + 'berry' (a berry associated with candle-making/wax).

Etymology

The word candleberry combines candle and berry because people noticed the shrub's grey-green berries were covered in wax and used that wax to make candles. So, a candleberry is a shrub known for its wax-coated berries that were used for candle making.