1 logwood | Definition of logwood

logwood

noun
log·​wood | \ ˈlȯg-ËŒwu̇d How to pronounce logwood (audio) , ˈläg-\

Definition of logwood

1a : a small leguminous tree (Haematoxylum campechianum) native to Mexico and Central America that is cultivated in warmer climates especially for the dye extracted from its heartwood

Note: The logwood has become naturalized in many regions (as the West Indies, Africa, and Australia) where it is sometimes considered an invasive species.

b : the very hard brown or brownish-red heartwood of logwood
2 : a dye extracted from the heartwood of logwood — compare hematoxylin

Examples of logwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By the early 19th century, a newer dye made from logwood and ferrous sulfate made the color cheap to produce. Shelley Puhak, The Atlantic, "The Underclass Origins of the Little Black Dress," 13 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'logwood.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of logwood

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for logwood

logwood

noun
log·​wood | \ ˈlȯg-ËŒwu̇d, ˈläg- How to pronounce logwood (audio) \

Medical Definition of logwood

1a : a Central American and West Indian leguminous tree (Haematoxylon campechianum)
b : the very hard brown or brownish red heartwood of logwood
2 : a dye extracted from the heartwood of logwood — see hematoxylin

More from Merriam-Webster on logwood

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with logwood

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about logwood