lacquer tree

9.3

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

noun
/ˈlæ.kər tri/

: árbol de laca

Artisans have relied on the lacquer tree for centuries to produce durable and glossy finishes.

Examples

The sap of the lacquer tree is harvested and processed to create traditional Japanese lacquerware.
The lacquer tree is known for its toxic sap.
Due to its toxic exudate, the lacquer tree must be handled with care during cultivation.
Many artisans use lacquer trees to create beautiful finishes.
The lacquer tree is known for its toxic sap, which is harvested to create traditional lacquer.
Artisans collect sap from the lacquer tree to make stunning lacquerware that showcases intricate designs.
In some regions of Asia, the lacquer tree is prized for producing the valuable sap used in fine crafts.

Synonyms

Rhus verniciflua

vslacquer 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 general name rather than the scientific Latin form

Toxicodendron vernicifluum

vslacquer tree

Specialized

9.9

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

is the everyday common name rather than the botanical Latin label

Japanese lacquer tree

vslacquer tree

9.3

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

is a broader Asian term not limited to East Asia

Chinese lacquer tree

vslacquer tree

9.9

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

is a general Asian name without stressing those specific countries

Japanese sumac

vslacquer tree

9.9

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

is the neutral general name not stressing regional association

varnish tree

vslacquer tree

Indian

9.9

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

is neutral about sap danger, using a milder descriptive term

Japanese varnish tree

vslacquer tree

9.9

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

focuses on the native wild tree rather than cultivated ornamental use

Surface Forms

lacquer tree singular

lacquer trees plural

Morphology

lacquer + tree

The compound 'lacquer tree' is directly compositional: 'lacquer' (a finish) + 'tree' signals a tree associated with lacquer or that yields lacquerous sap, following common noun+noun naming patterns (e.g. 'apple tree'). Even if 'lacquer' is less frequent, a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer this meaning as a tree used for or producing lacquer.

Etymology

The noun lacquer tree names a small Asian tree that gives a sticky, sometimes poisonous sap which people turn into lacquer, a shiny protective coating. So the name means a tree used 'to make lacquer'.