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Glite Dictionary
Japan tallow

Japan tallow

9.9
A yellowish wax from the berries of some sumac trees used in polishes and candles
  • noun
  • /dʒəˈpæn ˈtæloʊ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : cera japonesa
  • The craftsman applied a thin layer of Japan tallow to the wood to give it a polished finish.

Examples

  • The formula for the floor polish listed Japan tallow among its main ingredients.

  • Traditional candle makers sometimes use Japan tallow as an alternative to beeswax.

  • The candle was made from Japan tallow.

  • Many artisans prefer Japan tallow for its quality.

  • The formula for the floor polish listed Japan tallow among its main ingredients.

  • The craftsman applied a thin layer of Japan tallow to the wood to give it a polished finish.

  • Traditional candle makers sometimes use Japan tallow as an alternative to beeswax.

Synonyms

Japan wax
vsJapan tallow
  • Archaic
9.9

A yellowish wax made from sumac berries and used for candles and polish

is used mainly as a substitute for animal tallow rather than many product types

Surface Forms

Japan tallow singular
Japan tallows plural

Morphology

japan + tallow

The phrase combines 'japan' (a lacquer/polish surface) and 'tallow' (a fatty/waxy substance), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it is a kind of wax/fat used in japanning or polishes. However the actual referent (a plant-derived yellowish wax from sumac berries rather than animal fat) and the specific technical usage are not fully predictable from the parts, making the term partially but not wholly transparent.

Etymology

Japan tallow may come from its use in Japan, where people made a yellowish wax from sumac berries that worked like animal 'tallow' to polish wood and metal. That's why today Japan tallow means a yellowish wax used in polishes and as a substitute for animal tallow.