also: こうろう
noun
yellow beeswax
Archaic term for yellow beeswax. Not used in modern Japanese; encountered only in historical or specialized contexts.
古文書に「黄蝋」という語が見られるが、現代では「蜜蝋」と言う。
The word 黄蝋 appears in old documents, but today it is called 蜜蝋 (beeswax).
Modern standard term for beeswax. 黄蝋 is its archaic equivalent, specifically referring to the yellow variety.
Compound of 黄 (yellow) and 蝋 (wax). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; it is an old term for yellow beeswax that has fallen out of use.