Fuelwood: meaning, definitions and examples
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fuelwood
[ ˈfjuːəlwʊd ]
type of fuel
Fuelwood refers to wood that is used as a fuel source, primarily for heating or cooking. It is often gathered from trees specifically harvested for this purpose or collected from dead or fallen branches in forests. Fuelwood is a renewable energy source and can be a sustainable option if harvested responsibly.
Synonyms
firewood, timber fuel, woodfuel
Examples of usage
- They gathered fuelwood to prepare for the winter.
- Many rural communities rely on fuelwood for cooking.
- The use of fuelwood has increased in areas without access to gas or electricity.
Etymology
The term 'fuelwood' is derived from two components: 'fuel', which is from Old French 'feu', meaning 'fire', and 'wood', which traces back to Old English 'wudu'. The combination suggests a specific type of wood used for generating heat and energy. The practice of using wood as fuel dates back to ancient times when it was one of the primary sources of heat and energy for cooking and industrial processes. As societies progressed, the methods of harvesting and utilizing wood evolved, leading to more efficient techniques and tools. Today, while other energy sources have become prevalent, fuelwood remains essential in many parts of the world—especially in rural and developing regions where access to modern fuels is limited. The sustainability of fuelwood depends on careful management of forest resources to prevent deforestation, and many communities are increasingly adopting practices to ensure that their fuelwood use is environmentally friendly.