logwood

[ lawg-wood, log- ]

noun

1. the heavy, brownish-red heartwood of a West Indian and Central American tree, Haematoxylon campechianum, of the legume family, used in dyeing.
2. the tree itself.

logwood

/ ˈlɒɡˌwʊd /

noun

1. a leguminous tree, Haematoxylon campechianum, of the Caribbean and Central America
2. the heavy reddish-brown wood of this tree, yielding the dye haematoxylin See also haematoxylon

Word History and Origins

Origin of logwood¹

First recorded in 1575–85; log ¹ + wood ¹

Example Sentences

It had a monopoly of the Yucatan trade and enjoyed large profits from its logwood exports, both of which have been largely lost.

From Project Gutenberg

The name of the state is derived from its principal forest product, palo de campeche (logwood).

From Project Gutenberg

Logwood dyes lilac, or pink; to turn red hackles brown, boil them in copperas.

From Project Gutenberg

A number of logwood cutters and other settlers, as well as some merchants and traders, had already arrived there.

From Project Gutenberg

Add a few drops of the logwood extract, and if alum is present a bluish-red color will appear.

From Project Gutenberg