Meanings
plural Japan waxes
- countableuncountableA yellowish fat obtained by refining the protective coat from the berries of various Asian sumacs of the genus Toxicodendron.
Japan wax is compatible with beeswax, cocoa butter, and glycerides.
2011, NIIR Board of Consultants & Engineers, The Complete Technology Book on Wax and Polishes, page 512 more examples
Of recent years Japan wax is an important article of commerce, and it was while examining a lot of several carloads some time ago that the though occurred to me why cannot it be used pharmaceutically?
1899 June, Robert C. Purcell, “Japan Wax as a Substitute of Beeswax in Ointments and Cerates”, in Merck Report, volume 8, page 257There are many grades of genuine Japan waxes available which are distinguished by brand names.
1963, Harry Bennett, Natural & synthetic waxes, page 146Synonyms: sumac wax
Synonyms & antonyms
nounA yellowish fat obtained by refining the protective coat from the berries of various Asian sumacs of the genus Toxicodendron.
More synonyms by meaning
Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.
Origin
From the location (Japan) where this waxy substance was first refined and used.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
Japan wax. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Japan%20wax
“Japan wax.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Japan%20wax. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Japan wax,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Japan%20wax.
Source: Japan wax on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.