Cedrela

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A botanical genus that includes various tropical tree species recognized for their distinctively fragrant timber and valuable wood properties
2. A type of tropical tree belonging to a genus known for producing aromatic and durable wood, often utilized in crafting and building materials
3. A genus of tropical trees celebrated for their aromatic and resilient wood, which is commonly used in both construction and fine woodworking projects

Etymology: Cedrela is the botanical name of a genus of aromatic tropical trees, and the word was built deliberately by taxonomists rather than arising in everyday speech. Its root is the Latin "cedrus", the cedar, and the diminutive ending "-ela" marks it as a little cedar. The name reflects the resemblance between these trees and true cedars, which botanists noticed in the fragrant, fine-grained wood. Because the word is a scientific name, its meaning stays fixed to one genus rather than drifting over the centuries as ordinary vocabulary does. It is one of many plant names in which a familiar word is given a diminutive or Latinised shape to mark a related but distinct group.