Heartwood
(noun)
The older, harder, and darker central part of a tree trunk or branch, that is no longer active in water conduction and is more resistant to decay than the surrounding sapwood.
Origin:
The word heartwood comes from the combination of the words heart and wood, it refers to the central, older and harder part of a tree's trunk or branch.
Examples:
- Heartwood is denser and more durable than sapwood.
- The heartwood of this tree is dark brown in color.
- Heartwood is not as easily worked as sapwood.
- Heartwood is often used for making furniture or flooring.
- The heartwood is resistant to decay and insects, making it ideal for use in construction.