redwood

¹

[ red-wood ]

noun

1. any of the three extant tree species of the coniferous subfamily Sequoioideae, specifically the giant sequoia, coast redwood, and dawn redwood.
2. the valuable brownish-red timber of the coast redwood or giant sequoia, the harvesting of which is strictly regulated.
3. a red or reddish wood.
4. any of various trees yielding a red or reddish wood.
5. any tree whose wood produces a red dyestuff.

adjective

1. made of red or reddish wood, especially that of the coast redwood or giant sequoia, the harvesting of which is strictly regulated:

   a six-piece set of redwood furniture for the patio.

redwood

²

or red·wud

[ red-wood ]

adjective

, Scot.

1. raving mad; insane.
2. distracted with anger; furious.

redwood

/ ˈrɛdˌwʊd /

noun

1. a giant coniferous tree, Sequoia sempervirens , of coastal regions of California, having reddish fibrous bark and durable timber: family Taxodiaceae . The largest specimen is over 120 metres (360 feet) tall See also sequoia

Word History and Origins

Origin of redwood¹

First recorded in 1610–20; red ¹ + wood ¹

Origin of redwood²

First recorded in 1550–60; red ¹ + wood ²

Example Sentences

On a spring morning in 2002, the Sierra Club’s leaders gathered at the historic Ralston White Retreat, tucked between towering redwood trees on the side of Mount Tamalpais, high above the San Francisco Bay.

From Salon

There’s something about the way nature makes him feel small that he finds soothing — being spit onto the sand by powerful waves, walking in the shadow of redwoods.

From Los Angeles Times

The redwoods come straight down to the water.

From Los Angeles Times

Noni’s caretakers affectionately nicknamed her “Twinkle Toes,” because she could often be found perched on the thinnest branches of the towering redwoods.

From Los Angeles Times

PROS: Much lower cost of living than most California cities, easy access to redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean.

From Los Angeles Times