A tree whose wood is highly resinous and burns brightly with a flame, historically used as a substitute for candles; also called fatwood or lightwood.
From 'candle' + 'wood,' referring to the practical use of the wood itself as an illumination source. Species include the bayberry and certain pines rich in turpentine. Early colonists relied on this wood before tallow or wax candles were abundant.
Colonial Americans would split candlewood into thin splints and burn them like candles—they burned so bright that some accounts say one piece lit an entire room, making it more valuable than actual candles in frontier settlements.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.