Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
duramen

duramen

9.9
Hard inner wood in a tree that is darker and older than the outer wood
  • noun
  • /ˈdʊrəmən/
  • Specialized
: duramen
  • The color difference between the duramen and the sapwood was clearly visible in the cross-section of the log.

Examples

  • Unlike sapwood, the duramen is more resistant to decay and pests.

  • The craftsman selected pieces of duramen for their strength and durability.

  • The duramen of the oak tree is very strong.

  • Many builders prefer using duramen for construction.

  • The color difference between the duramen and the sapwood was clearly visible in the cross-section of the log.

  • Unlike sapwood, the duramen is more resistant to decay and pests.

  • The craftsman selected pieces of duramen for their strength and durability.

Synonyms

heartwood
vsduramen
  • Specialized
1 7.2

Hard inner wood in a tree trunk that is darker and more durable than outer wood

is the older inner wood identified by darker color rather than transport status

Surface Forms

duramen singular
duramens plural

Etymology

Duramen comes from the Latin word durus, meaning 'hard', and it refers to the hard inner wood of a tree. Think of the English word durable, which also comes from durus and means 'long-lasting', so duramen is the strong, lasting part of the tree's wood.