Wood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wood

[wสŠd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

material for construction

Wood is a hard fibrous material that forms the main substance of the trunk or branches of a tree or shrub. It is used for construction, making furniture, and as a source of fuel.

Synonyms

lumber, timber, woodland.

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Word Description / Examples
wood

General term for the material derived from trees, used in various contexts such as construction, crafting, and heating.

  • She gathered some wood to start a fire
  • The table is made of solid oak wood
timber

Commonly used in British English to refer to both unprocessed logs and processed wood. Can also refer to wood used in construction.

  • They harvested timber from the nearby forest
  • The timber beams supported the old house
lumber

Primarily used in American English to refer to processed wood that is ready for construction or other uses.

  • We need to buy some lumber for the new deck
  • The lumberyard has a wide selection of planks
woodland

Refers to a geographical area covered with trees. Often used when talking about natural habitats or scenic areas.

  • We went hiking through the woodland
  • The wildlife in the woodland is protected by law

Examples of usage

  • The table was made of solid wood.
  • They used wood to build the house.
Context #2 | Noun

forest or wooded area

Wood also refers to an area covered with trees or shrubs. It can be used to describe a forest or wooded area.

Synonyms

forest, grove, woods.

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Word Description / Examples
wood

Use when referring to a small, dense area of trees, though this is less common and often replaced by 'woods.'

  • The path goes through the wood.
  • They explored the wood near their house.
forest

Use when referring to a large, dense area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.

  • The forest is home to many wild animals.
  • We went hiking in the forest last weekend.
woods

Use when referring to a small forested area, typically more focused on the space than the trees themselves.

  • They got lost in the woods.
  • We went camping in the woods for the weekend.
grove

Use when referring to a small group of trees, often planted for their fruit or nuts.

  • They walked through the olive grove.
  • The orange grove was beautiful in the spring.

Examples of usage

  • They went for a walk in the wood.
  • The wood was full of wildlife.
Context #3 | Verb

to gather or collect firewood

To wood means to gather or collect firewood. It is often used in the context of preparing for a fire.

Synonyms

collect, gather, harvest.

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Word Description / Examples
wood

Refers to the material that comes from trees. It is used in building, crafting, or as fuel.

  • The carpenter selected the finest wood for the table.
  • She stacked the wood for the fireplace.
gather

Implies bringing things or people together, often more formally or deliberately than 'collect.'

  • The children will gather flowers in the meadow.
  • We should gather everyone before the meeting starts.
collect

Used when you bring together items from various places or sources, often casually and over time.

  • He likes to collect old coins.
  • We will collect donations for the charity event.
harvest

Used specifically for gathering crops, plants, or other natural resources, usually at a specific time when they are ripe or ready.

  • The farmers harvest their crops in the fall.
  • They went to the orchard to harvest apples.

Examples of usage

  • We need to wood before starting the campfire.
  • He spent the afternoon wooding in the forest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Wood has been a vital resource in many cultures, symbolizing strength and longevity, and is often used in rituals and ceremonies.
  • Throughout history, wood has played a pivotal role in art and crafts, from beautiful carvings to intricate furniture making.

Science

  • Wood is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, all of which provide structure and durability, making it a remarkable natural material.
  • Trees produce wood as they grow through a process known as secondary growth, allowing them to withstand weather and support heavy branches.

Environmental Impact

  • Forests, which are full of trees, play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, supporting wildlife, and maintaining Earthโ€™s climate.
  • Sustainable forestry practices help ensure that wood resources are managed responsibly, preserving ecosystems for future generations.

Pop Culture

  • In many children's stories and folklore, wood is often seen as magical; think of enchanted forests filled with talking trees!
  • The iconic 'Woodstock festival' of 1969, known for its celebration of music and peace, gets its name from the location, emphasizing the connection between nature and community.

Origin of 'wood'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wood' comes from the Old English 'wudu', which is related to the German 'Wald', meaning forest.
  • In many languages, the word for wood is connected to meanings involving trees and growth, hinting at its natural origins.

The word 'wood' originated from the Old English word 'wudu', which has Germanic roots. Wood has been an essential material for construction, fuel, and various other purposes throughout human history. It has played a crucial role in the development of civilizations, providing shelter, tools, and warmth. The use of wood continues to be important in modern times, with sustainable forestry practices being emphasized for environmental conservation.


See also: blackwood, underwood, woodcraft, woodcut, woodcutter, woodcutting, wooden, woodland, woods, woodshop, woodsman, woodwork, woodworker, woodworking, woodworm, woody.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,302, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.