sapwood
noun
sap·wood
| \ ˈsap-ˌwu̇d
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Definition of sapwood
: the younger softer living or physiologically active outer portion of wood that lies between the cambium and the heartwood and is more permeable, less durable, and usually lighter in color than the heartwood
Examples of sapwood in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This can also occur when trees are planted too deep, as adventitious (growing sideways from the stem) roots grow against the stem and squeeze the sapwood. — Rebecca Jepsen, The Mercury News, "Bay Area gardens: How to cope with Japanese maple dieback," 28 Aug. 2019 If the swing is true, there will resonate from the tree — through still-growing sapwood to the compressed cells of the dying core — a deeply satisfying, percussive boom, scattering birds and startling deer. — Jonny Diamond, Longreads, "Lumbersexuality, a Sport and a Pastime," 8 June 2019 The evaluation assesses the tree’s vigor, the thickness of its sapwood shell, its disease stresses, the state of the roots and the like. — Adrian Higgins, idahostatesman, "Old trees will tell you when their time is up | Idaho Statesman," 17 Jan. 2018 If the swing is true, there will resonate from the tree — through still-growing sapwood to the compressed cells of the dying core — a deeply satisfying, percussive boom, scattering birds and startling deer. — Jonny Diamond, Longreads, "Lumbersexuality, a Sport and a Pastime," 8 June 2019 The evaluation assesses the tree’s vigor, the thickness of its sapwood shell, its disease stresses, the state of the roots and the like. — Adrian Higgins, idahostatesman, "Old trees will tell you when their time is up | Idaho Statesman," 17 Jan. 2018 Entering tree branches through wounds caused by any number of actions, the Hypoxylon fungus grows into sapwood, where decay begins. — Sallie Lee, AL.com, "Hypoxlon canker on Oaks: Another effect of the 2016 drought," 2 Aug. 2017 The California Redwood Association (CRA) recommends using sapwood-streaked construction common or deck common redwood for decking, but Padgett prefers to use B-grade redwood, which is nearly clear of knots and contains mostly heartwood. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Choose a Deck Material That Is Right for You," 6 June 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sapwood.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for sapwood
sapwood
noun
sap·wood
| \ ˈsap-ˌwu̇d
\
\
Kids Definition of sapwood
: young wood through which sap travels that is found just beneath the bark of a tree and is usually lighter in color than the heartwood