Definition

Noun 1. A type of tree (Pterocarpus santalinus): An East Indian tree known for its hard, fragrant timber and its dark red heartwood, which is used as a dye. 2. The wood of this tree: The hard, durable, and fragrant wood from the red sandalwood tree, prized for fine cabinetwork and for producing a red dye.

Examples

• The red sandalwood tree is native to southern India and Sri Lanka.
• The craftsman selected a piece of red sandalwood for the intricate jewelry box.
• The deep red color comes from the heartwood of red sandalwood.

Advanced Usage

• As a dye source: The heartwood of red sandalwood is ground into a powder to create a natural red dye, historically used for coloring textiles and in traditional medicines.
• In taxonomy and botany: The term specifically refers to , distinguishing it from other fragrant woods like white sandalwood ().

Variants and Related Words

• Red Sanders (noun): Another common name for the same tree () or its wood.
• Sandalwood (noun): A broader term for fragrant woods from trees in the genera (e.g., white sandalwood) and (e.g., red sandalwood). Note: "Red sandalwood" is a specific type, not to be confused with the more common "sandalwood" ().

Synonyms

• Ruby wood (noun): A descriptive synonym emphasizing the wood's color.
• Red sanders wood (noun): A direct synonym.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "red sandalwood" refers exclusively to the tree and its products. It is not a true sandalwood (from the genus) but is named for its similar aromatic quality and use.
• It should not be confused with "sandalwood" alone, which typically refers to the lighter-colored, highly aromatic wood from trees.

Noun

1. East Indian tree with racemes of yellow-white flowers; cultivated as an ornamental
2. tree of India and East Indies yielding a hard fragrant timber prized for cabinetwork and dark red heartwood used as a dyewood
3. hard durable wood of red sandalwood trees (Pterocarpus santalinus); prized for cabinetwork