incense cedar

[ in-sens see-der ]

noun

1. a tree of the cypress family’s genus Calocedrus, especially C. decurrens California incense cedar of western North America, which may grow to more than 190 feet (58 meters) in height.
2. the aromatic, close-grained wood of this tree, used to make pencils, chests, closet linings, etc.
3. Chilean cedar ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of incense cedar¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Beyond the crest of the Klamath Mountains, you descend into an evergreen medley of sugar pines, incense cedars, and still more Douglas firs.

From MIT Technology Review

Beyond the crest of the Klamath Mountains, you descend into an evergreen medley of sugar pines, incense cedars and still more Douglas firs.

From ProPublica

Incense cedar, for example, seems to become infested after it reaches maturity at an age of about 150 years.

From Project Gutenberg

This follows closely the range of the incense cedar, though in some places it is found as high as 8700 feet.

From Project Gutenberg

The incense cedar, while much subject to fungus trouble, is also prized.

From Project Gutenberg

The incense cedar is the only representative of its genus in the United States.

From Project Gutenberg

The wood of the incense cedar is serviceable for many purposes.

From Project Gutenberg