Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Definition

noun

(1) The secondary xylem of coniferous tree marketed as such.

(2) Any wood that is relatively soft or easily cut.

(3) A tree yielding such a wood, especially conifers (mainly of the pine and fir families).

Supplement

Most softwoods are softer or easier to cut than hardwood. Other softwoods such as yews and longleaf pine are much harder than several hardwoods.

Compare: hardwood
See also: xylem