late wood

American  

noun

1. summerwood.

---

late wood Scientific  

1. The part of the wood in a growth ring of a tree that is produced later in the growing season. The cells of late wood are smaller and have thicker cell walls than those produced earlier in the season. Within a growth ring, the change of early wood to late wood is gradual, but each layer of early wood from the next growing season makes an abrupt contrast with the late wood before it, thus leading to the perception of rings.

2. Compare early wood

---

Etymology

Origin of late wood

First recorded in 1925–30

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

late wood

This alternation of early and late wood is due largely to a seasonal decrease in the number of vessel elements and a seasonal increase in the number of tracheids.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

During the fall season, the secondary xylem develops thickened cell walls, forming late wood, or autumn wood, which is denser than early wood.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

The transition from the large pores to the small ones in the late wood is abrupt.

From Studies of Trees by Jacob Joshua Levison

Usually odorless, not splintery, not resinous, with little contrast between early and late wood.

From Studies of Trees by Jacob Joshua Levison

A large amount of late wood is an indication of strength and the production of a clear sound when struck with a hammer is also an evidence of strength.

From Studies of Trees by Jacob Joshua Levison

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---