candlenut n large tree native to southeastern Asia; the nuts yield oil used in varnishes; nut kernels strung together are used locally as candles n seed of candlenut tree; source of soil used in varnishes Usage(s) Central to them are the barks, seeds and roots now found in spice cabinets worldwide, as well as some that aren't (like candlenut or salam leaves). Synonym(s) varnish tree Aleurites moluccana