Duramen (Noun)
Meaning
The older inactive central wood of a tree or woody plant; usually darker and denser than the surrounding sapwood.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The heartwood, also known as duramen, is a harder and darker wood than the surrounding sapwood.
- In a mature tree, the duramen makes up the bulk of the trunk and branches.
- As trees age, the cells in the duramen often become filled with chemicals that make the wood more resistant to decay.
- The distinctive color and texture of the duramen are prized by woodworkers for making decorative items.
- Over time, the duramen in a tree can become increasingly resistant to moisture and insect damage.