dogwood
UK: ˈdɒɡwʊd | US: ˈdɔːɡwʊd
n. A type of flowering tree or shrub of the genus Cornus, known for its showy bracts and hard wood.
n. The wood of this tree, historically used for tool handles and other small wooden items.
The term "dogwood" likely originated in the early 17th century. The "dog" component may derive from the Old English dag (a skewer or pointed stick), referencing the tree's hard wood used for tools. Alternatively, it might be a pejorative comparison to the common dog, suggesting the tree's fruit was unfit for human consumption (unlike edible "good" trees). The "wood" component is straightforward, denoting its botanical nature. Over time, the name stabilized as a descriptor for the Cornus genus.
The dogwood tree in our backyard blooms with white flowers every spring.
Native Americans used dogwood bark to make medicinal teas.
Dogwood wood is prized for its density and fine grain.
The state flower of Virginia is the flowering dogwood.
She carved a small figurine from a piece of dogwood.