The term "close grained" describes a wood that has a tightly packed grain structure. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward: "close" is pronounced with the IPA phonetic transcription /kloʊs/, while "grained" is pronounced with /ɡreɪnd/. The two words are typically written together as "close-grained" or "close grain." Understanding the spelling and pronunciation of "close grained" is important for those working with wood, such as carpenters and craftsmen, as this term is often used to describe the quality of the wood being used.
The term "close grained" refers to a characteristic of a material, typically wood, that describes a tight and compact arrangement of its individual fibers or particles. It describes the density and arrangement of the growth rings, which are concentric circles that form during the growth of a tree. A close-grained wood exhibits a small distance between these growth rings, indicating that the fibers are closely packed together.
A close-grained wood has a fine texture and a smooth surface, with minimal gaps or spaces between its fibers. This compact arrangement provides it with several desirable qualities, such as strength, hardness, and durability. Due to the tightly packed fibers, close-grained woods are less prone to splitting, warping, or shrinking.
Furthermore, the close-grained nature of wood contributes to its ability to hold and retain finishes, such as paints, varnishes, or stains. The lack of open pores or gaps allows the finish to spread evenly across the surface, resulting in a smooth and even appearance.
Close-grained woods are commonly used for applications that require stability and a refined finish, such as furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and musical instruments. Examples of close-grained woods include cherry, maple, mahogany, and teak.
In summary, "close grained" refers to a material, primarily wood, where the individual fibers or particles are tightly packed together, resulting in a dense, smooth, and durable texture with minimal gaps.
The word "close-grained" is derived from the combination of the words "close" and "grain".
The word "close" comes from the Old French word "clos" meaning "enclosed" or "shut". In turn, it originated from the Latin word "clausus" meaning "shut off" or "closed", which is the past participle of "claudere" meaning "to close".
The word "grain" is derived from the Middle English word "grein", which came from the Old French word "grein" or "grain" meaning "seed" or "grain". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "granum" meaning "seed" or "grain" as well.
When combined, "close-grained" refers to wood that has a fine, compact texture with closely spaced or tightly packed fibers.