snakewood

[sneyk-wood]

noun

1. the heavy, dark-red wood of a South American tree, Piratinera guianensis, used for decorative veneers, musical instrument bows, etc.

2. the tree that is the source of this wood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of snakewood¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; snake + wood ¹

Example Sentences

Then windows of fine linen, snakewood canes, Scarfs, opera hats, in use where fashion reigns.

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Being made, like the others in this figure, of that unyielding material snakewood, the experiment, though in the right direction, cannot be said to have been successful.

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Of the imported “natural” sticks, the principal are olive, ebony, furze, snakewood, pimento, cinnamon, partridge, and bamboo.

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He was well, but neatly, dressed, and had hooked to his wrist a thin snakewood cane attached to a crook handle.

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Several species of Strychnos are considered infallible remedies for snake bites; hence are known as snakewood.

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