Definition

Noun: 1. A tall, coniferous tree (Calocedrus decurrens) native to the Pacific coast of North America, characterized by foliage resembling that of a cypress and aromatic, cinnamon-red bark. 2. Any of several attractive, aromatic trees from the genera Libocedrus or Austrocedrus, found in southwestern South America, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, known for their glossy evergreen leaves and fragrant wood.

Examples of Usage

• The incense cedar is a valuable timber tree in California and Oregon.
• The park is famous for its grove of ancient incense cedars.
• The wood of the incense cedar is often used to make pencils and chests because of its pleasant scent and insect-repelling properties.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe objects made from the wood of this tree.
  • An incense cedar chest.
  • The cabin featured incense cedar paneling.

Variants and Related Words

• Calocedrus decurrens: The scientific name for the North American species.
• Libocedrus: A genus of coniferous trees in the cypress family, some of which are called incense cedars.
• Cedar: A broader term for various aromatic, coniferous trees, though true cedars belong to the genus .

Synonyms

• California incense cedar (specifically for ).
• Pencil cedar (a common name due to its use in pencil manufacturing).

Related Phrases

• Incense cedar wood: Specifically refers to the timber from these trees.
  • The closet was lined with incense cedar wood to protect the clothes from moths.

Noun

1. tall tree of the Pacific coast of North America having foliage like cypress and cinnamon-red bark
2. any of several attractive trees of southwestern South America and New Zealand and New Caledonia having glossy evergreen leaves and scented wood