Saundre

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic name for sandalwood, the fragrant heartwood of certain Asian trees once prized for carving and perfume
2. Old English-era term for the aromatic red or yellow wood of sandalwood trees, used in medicine and incense
3. A historical word for sandalwood, the scented timber traded from South Asia and valued for its fine fragrance

Etymology: The name traces back to Sanskrit "candana," the term for the fragrant wood of the sandal tree. It passed westward through Persian and Arabic, where it became "ṣandal," and Medieval Latin then borrowed it as "sandalum." The English form likely reached Middle English through Old French, which shaped the Latin-derived word into something closer to what English speakers would pronounce. Its meaning stayed tied to the heartwood itself, prized for carved boxes and religious objects as well as for its scent.