1. the part of an annual ring in wood that is formed during the later part of the growing season, characterized by smaller cells and thicker walls
Usage: botanical; forestry

Examples

• The summerwood appears darker than the springwood in the tree ring.
• Foresters can determine the age of a tree by counting the alternating bands of springwood and summerwood.
• The dense summerwood provides strength to the tree trunk.
• Under the microscope, the summerwood cells were noticeably smaller than those in the springwood.
• The contrast between springwood and summerwood creates the visible growth rings in lumber.
• Climate conditions during summer affect the formation of summerwood in trees.