Skip to main content
Cryptomeria

Cryptomeria

9.9
A large evergreen tree from Japan called Japanese cedar grown for its wood
  • noun
  • /ˌkrɪptəˈmɪəriə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cryptomeria
  • The landscape was stunning, with a majestic cryptomeria standing tall against the blue sky.

Examples

  • He shakes hands with Preston, her husband, and says, "These must be the cryptomeria I've heard so much about."

    Fiction book (1999)
  • During my trip to Japan, I marveled at the towering cryptomeria trees in the beautiful gardens of Nikko.

  • In the national park, we were surrounded by ancient cryptomeria trees that could be over a thousand years old.

Synonyms

Cryptomeria japonica
vsCryptomeria
  • Specialized
9.9

A tall evergreen tree from Japan and China with soft durable wood

is the broader genus term covering that species
Japanese cedar
vsCryptomeria
5.8

A tall evergreen tree from Japan and China with soft wood

is the formal genus term rather than the popular common name
Japan cedar
vsCryptomeria
  • Specialized
6.2

A tall tree from Japan and China with soft, strong wood used for furniture and building

is the genus or scientific reference rather than that common name form

Compounds

Cryptomeria japonica
  • Specialized
9.9

A tall evergreen tree from Japan and China with soft durable wood

Surface Forms

Cryptomeria singular
Cryptomerias plural

Etymology

The word Cryptomeria comes from Greek roots krypto- meaning 'hidden' and -meria meaning 'part'. So the name suggests 'hidden parts', a helpful image to remember this tall Japanese cedar whose small cones and inner wood are not easily seen and whose peeling bark can hide the trunk.