noun / adjective
mahogany
muh-HAH-guh-nee/məˈhɑːɡəni/
A tropical tree producing reddish-brown timber.
A tall mahogany shades the path beside the garden.
Etymology
Spanish mahogani supplies the wood name, whose deeper origin is unknown, perhaps a Maya tree name. The English word names timber valued for its reddish-brown color, durability, and ability to take a high polish.
In context
the hardwood underneath is a deep reddish brown that looks a lot like Honduras mahogany.
More examples
- The mahogany spreads its branches above the other young trees.
- Young mahoganies need room to spread their branches.
- The gardener plants a young mahogany beside the path.
Forms
mahogany · mahoganies
Similar words
- teak
- Another tropical hardwood, usually golden brown rather than reddish brown.
- rosewood
- A typically darker, strongly grained hardwood used for fine furniture.