Anegre, pronounced [əˈnɛgɹɪ], is a wood species commonly used in furniture making. The word is spelled with an "a" at the beginning instead of "e" to maintain consistency with the original Spanish spelling of the wood, anigré. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound ([ə]), followed by a stressed "nɛ" sound ([ˈnɛ]). The final two letters, "gr," are pronounced as a voiced "g" ([ɡ]) followed by a voiced "r" ([ɹ]). Anegre has a light brown color and interesting grain pattern, making it a popular choice for high-end furniture production.
Anegre, also spelled as Aningeria or Aniegre, is a hardwood tree native to tropical African regions, particularly found in countries such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. Scientifically known as Aningeria spp., it belongs to the botanical family Meliaceae. This tree species is highly valued for its exceptional quality timber which is primarily used in various woodworking applications.
The word "anegre" is often used to refer to both the tree and the timber produced from it. Anegre timber is renowned for its excellent workability, pleasant appearance, and smooth finish. It is characterized by a pale yellow to light pinkish-brown color with straight grains and a fine and even texture. The timber exhibits moderate to high natural luster, giving it an appealing sheen. Anegre timber is highly sought after in the production of furniture, high-end cabinetry, interior joinery, and decorative veneers.
Not only is anegre timber aesthetically pleasing, but it also possesses favorable physical properties, including moderate durability, stability, and ease of machining. Its uniform structure facilitates ease of cutting, shaping, and carving. Moreover, anegre timber commonly finishes well, allowing for a range of attractive finishes such as staining and polishing.
Due to its widespread availability and versatility, anegre has become a popular choice among craftsmen and woodworkers. Its usage in various upscale applications is indicative of its reputation as a premier hardwood, making it a prized resource in the woodworking industry.
The word "anegre" originates from the Spanish term "anegre" or "anígere", which comes from the Wolof language spoken in West Africa. Wolof is primarily spoken in Senegal, Gambia, and Mauritania. In Wolof, the word for anegre is "négrep", referring to the tree species known scientifically as Aningeria spp. The Spanish term was later adopted as the English name for this type of wood, which is a lighter-colored hardwood used in furniture making and cabinetry.