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linden

linden

7.9
Soft light-colored wood from a tree with heart-shaped leaves used for carving and boxes
  • noun
  • /ˈlɪndən/
translation icon : madera de tilo
  • The carpenter prefers using linden for intricate carvings.

Examples

  • The artist preferred to carve figures from linden because of its fine, even grain.

  • He constructed a sturdy box out of linden, which was perfect for storing delicate items.

  • Some of the best traditional millwork uses linden for its smooth finish and ease of shaping.

  • They received crates made of linden, which were lightweight but sturdy.

  • I bought a beautiful linden box from the local market.

  • The carpenter chose linden for the new cabinets because of its light color and fine grain.

  • After carefully carving the intricate details, she treated the linden wood sculpture with a protective finish.

Synonyms

basswood
vslinden
  • US
1 6.7

Light, soft wood from a linden tree used for carving and boxes

is the general name for that same wood
limewood
vslinden
  • UK
5.8

Pale soft wood from a lime tree that people use for carving and sculpture

is used more broadly for crates, boxes, and general millwork

Compounds

1 6.2

A large leafy tree with heart-shaped leaves and sweet-smelling yellow flowers often planted for shade

linden family
  • Specialized
8.8

A group of trees and shrubs that often have scented flowers and soft wood

A medium-sized tree from Japan with broad leaves and fragrant pale flowers often planted in gardens

8.9

A large tree with leaves that are silver underneath often planted in parks

small-leaved linden
  • Specialized
8.1

A large European tree with small dark green leaves grown for its shade and beauty

How Soft

balsa
3 5.6
linden
7.9
pine
39 2.6
oak
44 1.0
hickory
  • US
2 7.0

Surface Forms

linden singular
lindens plural

Etymology

The word linden for the wood comes from the same old word lind meaning 'soft', so the timber was known for being light and easy to carve, which is why linden can mean the soft wood as well as the tree.