Pronunciation: [wˈe͡ɪni] (IPA) 
The word "waney" is commonly used in the world of woodworking to describe the edge of a board that has a rough, irregular surface. The IPA phonetic transcription for "waney" is /ˈweɪni/. This word is spelled with a "w" and an "e" pronounced as /weɪ/, followed by "n" and "y" pronounced as /ni/. The spelling of "waney" reflects its Old English roots and has been used in the English language for centuries.
Waney is an adjective primarily used in British English to describe the appearance of wood or timber that has not been completely sawn, planed, or finished, and still retains its natural, uneven, or rough edges. It refers to the state of wood that has been roughly cut from a log, revealing the true shape and outline of the tree trunk.
The term can also be used to describe the undulating or wavy shape of a wooden surface, caused by irregularities in the texture or profile of the timber. Waney wood often showcases the natural grain patterns and irregularities, giving it a rustic or organic aesthetic.
Waney wood is commonly used in carpentry, construction, and furniture making. It is often prized for its unique and natural appearance, which can add character and authenticity to finished products. The rough edges and irregularities of waney wood are sometimes deliberately preserved in certain woodworking designs to enhance the naturalistic and raw beauty of the material.
Overall, the term "waney" describes the rough, unfinished, or natural state of wood, often characterised by its irregular edges or undulating profile, and valued for its rustic and organic qualities.
The word "waney" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "wanig", which means "lacking" or "deficient". This word, in turn, is related to the Old English "wana", which means "want" or "deficiency". Over time, "waney" came to be associated specifically with the edges of rough-sawn timber that are uneven or irregular, resulting from the natural growth and shaping of the wood. In the field of carpentry and woodworking, "waney" is used to describe the appearance of timber with these uneven edges.
