incense cedar

American  

[in-sens see-der] / ˈɪn sɛns ˌsi dər /

noun

1. a tree of the cypress family’s genus Calocedrus, especially C. decurrens California incense cedar of western North America, which may grow to more than 190 feet (58 meters) in height.

2. the aromatic, close-grained wood of this tree, used to make pencils, chests, closet linings, etc.

3. Chilean cedar.

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Etymology

Origin of incense cedar

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

The remainder were sugar pine, noble fir, red fir, incense cedar, western red cedar, mountain hemlock and western hemlock.

From Science Daily • Dec. 28, 2023

In an episode of “The Office,” Michael Scott communes with that very incense cedar, which legend puts on the outskirts of Scranton, Pa., but in fact lives right here in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2023

Several teams recently converged at Blodgett Forest Research Station northeast of Sacramento, an area thick with towering Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and incense cedar.

From New York Times • Sep. 7, 2022

“Fortunately, there are many alternative tree species, including Oregon white oak, incense cedar and Chinese pistache, that might be more heat and drought resistant than ash.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 11, 2022

"On all lands, the Douglas spruce, white fir and incense cedar should be cut whenever possible, and chutes, skidways and bridges should be constructed from the two last named species."

From Practical Forestry in the Pacific Northwest Protecting Existing Forests and Growing New Ones, from the Standpoint of the Public and That of the Lumberman, with an Outline of Technical Methods by Allen, Edward Tyson