softwood

[ sawft-wood, soft- ]

noun

1. any wood that is relatively soft or easily cut.
2. a tree yielding such a wood.
3. Forestry. a coniferous tree or its wood.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or made of softwood.

softwood

/ ˈsɒftˌwʊd /

noun

1. the open-grained wood of any of numerous coniferous trees, such as pine and cedar, as distinguished from that of a dicotyledonous tree
2. any tree yielding this wood

softwood

/ sôft′wd′ /

1. A coniferous tree, especially as distinguished from an angiosperm, or hardwood, tree.
2. The wood of a coniferous tree. Softwoods are in general softer than hardwoods. However, some softwoods, such as yew, are comparatively hard, while some hardwoods, such as basswood, are comparatively soft.

Word History and Origins

Origin of softwood¹

First recorded in 1825–35; soft + wood ¹

Example Sentences

According to the Vegetable Research and Information Center at the University of California, Davis, “Wood ashes typically contain 5 to 7% potassium and 1.5 to 2% phosphorus. They also contain 25 to 50% calcium compounds. Hardwood ashes contain more potassium than those from softwood.”

From Seattle Times

The Evergreen State also produces the second-largest percentage of softwood lumber in the nation, a key component for climate-friendly buildings and furniture.

From Seattle Times

The softwood lumber tariffs are the legacy of a decades-long trade dispute over the structure of Canada's timber sector that could not be resolved when a quota agreement expired in 2015.

From Reuters

"For years, the United States has imposed unfair, unjust and illegal duties on Canadian softwood lumber, hurting Canadian industry and increasing housing costs in both countries," Trade Minister Mary Ng said in the statement.

From Reuters

"For years, the United States has imposed unfair, unjust and illegal duties on Canadian softwood lumber, hurting Canadian industry and increasing housing costs in both countries," Trade Minister Mary Ng said in the statement.

From Reuters

Related Words

• forest
• sapling
• seedling
• shrub
• timber
• wood