teak
UK: tiːk | US: tiːk
n. 1. A tall tropical hardwood tree (Tectona grandis) native to South and Southeast Asia, valued for its durable timber.
n. 2. The dense, yellowish-brown wood from this tree, resistant to decay and often used in shipbuilding and furniture.
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The word "teak" entered English in the 17th century via Portuguese teca, derived from Malayalam tekka or Tamil tēkku, referring to the tree. Unlike many loanwords, "teak" retains its original form without Indo-European morpheme divisions. Its linguistic journey reflects European colonial trade routes, where the wood’s durability made it a prized commodity.
The ship’s deck was crafted from high-quality teak.
Teak furniture is popular for its resistance to moisture.
The forest was dominated by towering teak trees.
Over time, teak develops a silvery-gray patina if left untreated.
Burmese teak is considered among the finest in the world.