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noun

sandalwood

SANDUHL-wuud

Sandalwood (noun) means a tropical tree valued for its fragrant, fine-grained heartwood. Example: “Sandalwood trees are slow-growing, which is part of why the wood is so expensive.”

noun
1
A tropical tree valued for its fragrant, fine-grained heartwood.
"Sandalwood trees are slow-growing, which is part of why the wood is so expensive."
2
The aromatic wood of this tree, used in carving, perfume, and incense.
"The temple was filled with the sweet smell of burning sandalwood."

How to use sandalwood

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fragrant tropical wood prized for perfume, incense, and carving.

Common pairings
sandalwood incense sandalwood oil

Word forms

sandalwoods plural

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_____ trees are slow-growing, which is part of why the wood is so expensive.

Etymology

The "sandal" part traces back through Arabic and Persian to Sanskrit candana ("sandalwood") — an entirely different root from the footwear word "sandal."

Origin: Arabic

Rhymes for sandalwood

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Frequently asked questions

What does “sandalwood” mean?

The word “sandalwood” means a tropical tree valued for its fragrant, fine-grained heartwood. In plain terms, a fragrant tropical wood prized for perfume, incense, and carving.

How do you pronounce “sandalwood”?

“Sandalwood” is pronounced SANDUHL-wuud (/ˈsandəlwʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “sandalwood” in a sentence?

Here is “sandalwood” used in a sentence: “Sandalwood trees are slow-growing, which is part of why the wood is so expensive.”

What part of speech is “sandalwood”?

“Sandalwood” is a noun.

Where does the word “sandalwood” come from?

The word “sandalwood” comes from Arabic. The "sandal" part traces back through Arabic and Persian to Sanskrit candana ("sandalwood") — an entirely different root from the footwear word "sandal.".

How many meanings does “sandalwood” have?

“Sandalwood” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tropical tree valued for its fragrant, fine-grained heartwood.

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