Definition

Noun: 1. A large coniferous tree native to western North America: This term refers specifically to Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, a very tall evergreen tree known for its valuable timber. It is characterized by an extremely wide trunk and great height.

Usage Notes

• "Lawson's cedar" is a common name, not the scientific name. The tree is also widely known as Port Orford cedar or Lawson cypress.
• It is used as a singular, countable noun (e.g., , ).
• The term is primarily used in botanical, forestry, and woodworking contexts to describe the species or its wood.

Examples

• As a subject:
  • A mature Lawson's cedar can dominate the forest canopy.
  • The Lawson's cedar is prized for its aromatic, durable wood.
• As an object:
  • The park is home to several giant Lawson's cedars.
  • They harvested the Lawson's cedar carefully due to its value.
• With a modifier:
  • The old-growth Lawson's cedar had a trunk over ten feet in diameter.
  • This furniture is made from Lawson's cedar.

Advanced Usage

• The wood is often referred to metonymically by the tree's name.
  • The cabinet was crafted from beautifully grained Lawson's cedar.

Variants and Related Words

• Port Orford cedar (n.): The most common alternative name, especially in the timber industry.
• Lawson cypress (n.): A name more common in horticulture and landscaping.
• (n.): The scientific (Latin) binomial name.
• Cedar (n.): A broader category of aromatic, softwood trees; Lawson's cedar is a member of the cypress family (Cupressaceae) but is commonly called a cedar due to the scent and quality of its wood.

Synonyms

• Port Orford cedar
• Lawson cypress
• Oregon cedar (less common)

Related Phrases

• Lawson's cedar wood: Specifically denotes the timber from this tree.
  • The boat's deck was made of Lawson's cedar wood for its resistance to rot.

Noun

1. large timber tree of western North America with trunk diameter to 12 feet and height to 200 feet