rosewood

/ˈɹoʊzˌwʊd/

rosewood

English Noun Top 20,182

Definition

The fragrant wood of Dalbergia nigra, a Brazilian tree in the legume family, which has a sweet smell.

Etymology

A compound of rose + wood, originally so named because of the rose-scented aromatic oil derived from it; applied in later senses on account of these woods’ predominantly reddish-brown colour.