sandalwood

[ san-dl-wood ]

noun

1. the fragrant heartwood of any of certain Asian trees of the genus Santalum, used for ornamental carving and burned as incense.
2. any of these trees, especially S. album white sandalwood, an evergreen of India, having ovate leaves and yellowish flowers that turn red.
3. any of various related or similar trees or their woods, wood, especially an East Indian tree, Pterocarpus santalinus red sandalwood, of the legume family, or its heavy dark-red wood that yields a dye.

sandalwood

/ ˈsændəlˌwʊd /

noun

1. any of several evergreen hemiparasitic trees of the genus Santalum, esp S. album ( white sandalwood ), of S Asia and Australia, having hard light-coloured heartwood: family Santalaceae
2. the wood of any of these trees, which is used for carving, is burned as incense, and yields an aromatic oil used in perfumery
3. any of various similar trees or their wood, esp Pterocarpus santalinus ( red sandalwood ), a leguminous tree of SE Asia having dark red wood used as a dye

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandalwood¹

First recorded in 1505–15; sandal ² + wood ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sandalwood¹

C14 sandal, from Medieval Latin sandalum, from Late Greek sandanon, from Sanskrit candana sandalwood

Example Sentences

Few parents would describe the smells emanating from their adolescent children as redolent of sandalwood.

From New York Times

When the Americans started trading with China in the late 18th century, they started with furs and later sandalwood, but soon they just couldn’t find enough stuff to sell to China.

From Los Angeles Times

Mourners reached into the casket and touched the green-shrouded body before sandalwood flowers were burned under it and it was placed in the incinerator.

From Reuters

Vachathi was often visited by the authorities who accused the villagers of aiding the smuggler and being involved in sandalwood smuggling.

From BBC

Candles and incense in sandalwood or lavender are popular choices, he says, and you can also use a candle as your focal point.

From Washington Post