yellowwood

American  

[yel-oh-wood] / ˈyɛl oʊˌwʊd /

noun

1. a tree, Cladrastis lutea, of the legume family, native to the southeastern U.S., having clusters of fragrant, white flowers and wood that yields a yellow dye.

2. any of several other trees having yellowish wood or yielding a yellow substance, as Podocarpus elongatus or P. henkelii, of Africa.

3. the wood of any of these trees.

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yellowwood British  

/ ˈjɛləʊˌwʊd /

noun

1. Also called (US): gopherwood.  any of several leguminous trees of the genus Cladrastis, esp C. lutea, of the southeastern US, having clusters of white flowers and yellow wood yielding a yellow dye

2. Also called: West Indian satinwood.  a rutaceous tree, Zanthoxylum flavum, of the Caribbean, with smooth hard wood

3. any of several other trees with yellow wood, esp Podocarpus falcatus, a conifer of southern Africa: family Podocarpaceae

4. the wood of any of these trees

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Etymology

Origin of yellowwood

First recorded in 1660–70; yellow + wood ¹

Example Sentences

The arboretum is home to 26 noteworthy, mature trees known as "champions" for being the largest or best representation of their species, including a national champion September elm tree and an Ohio champion American yellowwood.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2023

At the end, yellowwood trees turn brilliant in fall, and a legacy fir forest towers in the background.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

In western Queens, like Hunters Point, Sunnyside and Long Island City, we’ll go with beeches and Kentucky yellowwood.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2022

Of course, she also loves the yellowwood near Virginia Hall, with its distinct striped bark.

From Washington Times • Jul. 16, 2017

George scrambled with difficulty up the bank, and, looking round for his companion, saw him a hundred yards lower down, clinging to the long, projecting branch of a large yellowwood.

From Perils in the Transvaal and Zululand by Adams, H.C.