greenwood
- 01 C2 Proficiency
a forest in the summer when all the trees are covered in green leaves.
a forest in full leaf, typically during the summer months. Often used in a romantic or historical context.
Simple“The outlaws lived deep in the greenwood where the thick leaves hid them.”
In context“The ballad evokes the idyllic life of the legendary archers who sought refuge within the depths of the medieval greenwood.”
UsageOften used with the definite article 'the'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
wood that has just been cut and is still wet inside, not yet dry enough for building or burning.
wood that is freshly felled and has not yet been seasoned or dried. It retains a high moisture content.
Simple“You should not burn greenwood in the fireplace because it creates too much smoke.”
In context“Traditional chairmakers often prefer working with greenwood because its high moisture content makes it more pliable for steam-bending.”
UsageUsually functions as an uncountable noun in this context.
Synonymsfresh woodunseasoned woodAntonymsseasoned wooddry wood
“Sipuel’s parents had escaped Tulsa after the race massacre of 1921, when a white mob burned down the Black neighborhood of Greenwood.”
“He is the author of Built From the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, America's Black Wall Street , which won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize.”