noun
sandalwood
SANDUHL-wuud
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 notesIn 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."