| 1. | any of various trees yielding sap or other substances used for varnish, as Rhus verniciflua, of Japan. |
| 2. | an Asian tree, Koelreuteria paniculata, of the soapberry family, having showy clusters of yellow flowers from 12 to 18 in. (30 to 46 cm) long, and papery, brilliantly colored pods with black seeds, grown as an ornamental. |
| varnish tree n. Any of several trees having milky juice used to make varnish. |