1. the wood formed later in the growing season, characterized by smaller cells and thicker walls than earlywood
Usage: forestry; botany

Examples

• The latewood appears darker than the earlywood in the tree ring.
• Latewood provides structural strength to the tree trunk.
• The contrast between earlywood and latewood creates visible growth rings.
• Foresters examine latewood formation to assess growing conditions.
• The density of latewood affects the wood’s overall strength.
• Climate stress can reduce latewood production in trees.