timber

/'timbə/

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The word "timber" has a couple of meanings, but it is most commonly used as a noun. Here’s an easy breakdown:

Basic Definition:

1. Timber (Wood): This refers to wood that has been cut from trees and is prepared for use in building or construction. It can be used for making furniture, houses, and other structures.

   • Example: "The carpenter used strong timber to build the house."

2. Timber (Sound): In music, "timber" (pronounced "tam-ber") refers to the quality or character of a sound. It describes how different sounds can be recognized and distinguished from one another, even if they are the same pitch.

   • Example: "The timbre of her soprano voice was rich and lovely."

Usage Instructions:

• When using "timber" in the context of wood, you might refer to types of timber (e.g., oak timber, pine timber) or describe it as good quality or strong.
• In musical contexts, you can describe voices or instruments using "timbre" to highlight their unique sound qualities.

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, "timber" can also be a part of idiomatic expressions or phrases: - Timber frame: A method of construction using heavy timber rather than lighter framing materials. - Timberland: Refers to a forested area where trees are grown for timber production.

Word Variants:

• Timbered (adjective): Describing something that is made with timber or has timber as a prominent feature.
  • Example: "The timbered house had a rustic charm."
• Timbre (noun, music): The same spelling but refers specifically to sound quality.

Different Meanings:

• Timber can mean:
  • The wood of trees cut and prepared for use (construction).
  • A unique quality of sound that makes different musical notes recognizable.

Synonyms:

• For wood: lumber, wood, planks, beams.
• For sound quality: tone, quality, sound quality.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no widely recognized idioms or phrasal verbs specifically with "timber," but you may encounter phrases like:
  • "Timber!" (a warning shout when cutting down a tree).

Summary:

"Timber" is mainly about wood used in construction, but it also relates to the unique qualities of sound in music.

Academic

Noun

1. (music) the distinctive property of a complex sound (a voice or noise or musical sound)
   • the timbre of her soprano was rich and lovely
   • the muffled tones of the broken bell summoned them to meet
2. land that is covered with trees and shrubs
3. a post made of wood
4. a beam made of wood
5. the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

Synonyms

• timbre
• quality
• tone
• forest
• woodland
• timberland
• lumber