The word "anigre" (pronounced /ˈænɪɡrə/, ah-ni-greh) is a type of wood that is commonly used in furniture making. It is known for its smooth texture, light color, and subtle grain patterns. The spelling of this word follows standard English phonetics, with the "a" pronounced as a short "a" sound, the "i" pronounced as a short "i" sound, and the "e" pronounced with a neutral "uh" sound. This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is important to know the correct spelling and pronunciation for those in the woodworking industry.
Anigre is a noun that refers to a hardwood tree of the genus Aningeria, commonly found in tropical regions of West Africa. It is also known by its scientific name Aningeria spp. The tree usually grows to a height of around 45 meters and has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a diameter of approximately 150 centimeters. Anigre trees have a distinctive pale yellow or creamy-white sapwood that is often sharply demarcated from the darker reddish-brown heartwood.
The wood derived from the anigre tree is highly prized and utilized in various applications, particularly in the manufacturing of furniture, cabinetry, and interior woodwork. It is recognized for its attractive grain patterns, which can range from straight to interlocked or wavy, giving it a unique aesthetic appeal. Anigre wood is moderately dense, lightweight, and relatively easy to work with, making it a favorable choice among craftsmen and woodworkers.
Apart from its natural beauty, anigre wood also possesses favorable properties such as good stability, resistance to warping or shrinking, and a high durability that enables it to withstand wear and tear. It is also often used for veneering due to its ability to take stains and finishes well. Additionally, anigre wood is known for its moderate resistance to insect attack, thus making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
In summary, anigre is a tropical hardwood tree that yields a beautiful, lightweight, and highly durable wood, commonly sought after for its aesthetic appeal and versatility in furniture and cabinetry making.
The word "anigre" comes from the French word "anigré", which is derived from its original Portuguese name "anegre". Anegre, in turn, is believed to originate from the Kimbundu language, spoken in Angola, where the tree species Millettia laurentii, commonly known as anigre, is native.