candelilla

(kan′də lilə, -lē)

noun

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.

Origin:

Origin: American Spanish

Origin: , diminutive of Spanish candela, candle

Origin: , from Latin candēla; see candle

.

link/cite print suggestion box