tung oil

tung oil, pale-yellow, pungent drying oil obtained from the seeds of the tung tree. On long standing or on heating, tung oil polymerizes to a hard, waterproof gel that is highly resistant to acids and alkalies. It is used in quick-drying varnishes and paints, as a waterproofing agent, and in making linoleum, oilcloth, and insulating compounds. Tung oil is produced chiefly in China from the tung tree (q.v.; Aleurites fordii).