either of two shrubs (Euphorbia antisiphylitica or Pedilanthus pavonis) of the spurge family, native to the SW U.S. and Mexico, which yield a wax used for polishes, varnishes, etc.
Origin:
AmSp < Sp, dim. of candela (< L), candle
See candelilla in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A shrubby spurge (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) native to southwest Texas and Mexico, having densely clustered, erect, essentially leafless stems that yield a multipurpose wax.