Pronunciation: [lˈɪɡnɪfˌɔːm] (IPA) 
The word "ligniform" is spelled with the letter "g" in the middle, despite being pronounced with a "j" sound. This is because the word comes from the Latin word "lignum," which means wood. In Latin, the letter "g" was used to represent a "j" sound when followed by an "i" or "e." Thus, the phonetic transcription of "ligniform" is /ˈlɪɡnɪfɔːrm/ with the "g" pronounced as a "j."
Ligniform is an adjective that describes something as resembling or having the characteristics of wood or a woody substance. The term is derived from the combination of two words: "ligneous," which means wood-related, and "form," which denotes the shape or structure of something.
In a literal sense, ligniform refers to objects or materials that bear a resemblance to or share properties with wood. It can be used to describe the appearance or physical features of an item that are similar to the grain, texture, color, or hardness of wood. For example, a piece of dried seaweed that has a hardened, fibrous texture resembling that of twig or branch could be described as ligniform.
Additionally, ligniform can also be applied metaphorically to describe things or concepts that possess characteristics associated with wood. For instance, if a person's skin is incredibly tough and resilient, similar to the bark on a tree, it could be said to have a ligniform quality to it. Similarly, if a conversation or argument is rigid, inflexible, or unyielding, it might be described as having a ligniform nature.
Overall, the term ligniform is used to indicate a resemblance to wood or wood-like attributes, whether it be in a physical or metaphorical sense.
Resembling wood.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ligniform" is derived from two Latin roots: "lignum" meaning "wood" and "forma" meaning "shape" or "form".
The root "lignum" has been borrowed into English directly from Latin, where it retains the same meaning of "wood". It can also be seen in related words like "ligneous" (meaning "resembling wood"), "lignin" (a substance found in wood), and "lignocellulosic" (referring to a compound found in plant cell walls).
The second root, "forma", is also a Latin word that means "shape" or "form". This root is commonly found in English words like "transform", "reform", or "conform", which all relate to changing or taking a different shape or form.
