Definition

Noun 1. A large coniferous tree native to western North America: This term refers specifically to a species of very large, evergreen tree found in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is characterized by its immense size, aromatic wood, and durability. * Key characteristics: It is noted for its extremely wide trunk, great height, and valuable timber.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The old-growth forest was dominated by towering Oregon cedar.
  • The wood of the Oregon cedar is highly resistant to rot and is often used for shingles and outdoor construction.
  • We measured an Oregon cedar with a trunk over 10 feet in diameter.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical/forestry contexts: The term is used precisely to distinguish this specific species () from other trees with "cedar" in their common names, such as Eastern red cedar or Atlantic white cedar, which belong to different genera.
  • The study compared the growth rates of Oregon cedar in riparian zones versus upland sites.

Variants and Related Words

• Western red cedar: This is the most common alternative name for the same tree species (). The terms "Oregon cedar" and "western red cedar" are often used interchangeably.
• Giant arborvitae: Another less common name for the same species, emphasizing its size and its membership in the (arborvitae) genus.
• Canoe cedar: A historical name referencing its traditional use by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for crafting dugout canoes.

Synonyms

• Western red cedar (n): The primary synonym.
• Thuja plicata (n): The scientific botanical name.

Related Phrases

• Cedar wood: While this phrase can refer to wood from various cedar-type trees, in the context of the Pacific Northwest, it often implies wood from the Oregon cedar/western red cedar due to its economic importance.
  • The deck was built from durable cedar wood. (Implies western red cedar in that region)
• Old-growth cedar: Refers to ancient, virgin stands of Oregon cedar that have never been logged.
  • The park protects several acres of old-growth cedar.

Noun

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