The spelling of the words "canoe cedar" may be confusing at first. The word "canoe" is pronounced as /kəˈnu/ while "cedar" is pronounced as /ˈsiːdər/. The reason why it is spelled as "canoe cedar" is because they are two separate words that describe the type of wood used to make canoes. Canoe cedar refers to a specific type of cedar wood that is commonly used in canoe construction. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of this wood type can be helpful for those interested in the art of canoe crafting.
Canoe cedar refers to a specific type of wood species that has long been favored for construction of canoes and other watercraft. It is typically derived from various species of cedar trees, known for their durability, lightweight nature, and water-resistant properties. The term "canoe cedar" may be used interchangeably with "cedar strip" or "cedar plank" and is specifically associated with the use of cedar wood in boat building.
Cedar wood used for canoes is typically sourced from Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) or Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis). Both of these species possess natural oils and resins that make them highly resistant to rot, decay, and water damage. This makes canoe cedar an ideal choice for boat-building since it can withstand prolonged exposure to water and provides a sturdy and reliable construction material.
The lightweight nature of canoe cedar also contributes to its popularity in boat building. The wood's low density makes it buoyant, ensuring that the canoe remains afloat even when loaded with passengers or cargo. Furthermore, the flexibility of cedar wood allows for it to be shaped and molded into the desired canoe design with relative ease.
Canoe cedar is often used in the construction of cedar strip canoes, where thin strips of cedar are laid horizontally along a wooden frame and secured using epoxy resin. The resulting boat is not only functional but also visually appealing due to the aesthetics of the cedar wood grain. Overall, canoe cedar represents a versatile and enduring material that has long been used to craft canoes that can navigate various types of water bodies, from serene lakes to fast-flowing rivers.
The word "canoe" comes from the Arawak language, specifically from the term "kana:wa", which means "dugout". Canoes were originally constructed by hollowing out logs, and the term "canoe" was later adopted by English speakers.
On the other hand, "cedar" refers to the type of wood commonly used to build canoes. The word "cedar" ultimately comes from the Latin term "cedrus", which referred to the cedar tree. This term then entered Old English as "ceder", denoting the same type of tree. The name "canoe cedar" thus refers to the wooden material specifically used to construct canoes.