The spelling of "white cedar" is straightforward, using the standard English alphabet. However, the pronunciation can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /waɪt siːdər/. The first syllable "white" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, /waɪt/. The second syllable "cedar" is pronounced with a long "e" sound, /siːdər/. With this phonetic transcription, it's easy to see how to properly spell and pronounce "white cedar."
White cedar is a tree species, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis, native to North America. It is a member of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). The tree is medium-sized, typically growing up to 18 meters (60 feet) tall and has a conical or columnar shape. The name "white cedar" derives from the color of its timber, which is pale or whitish in appearance, especially when freshly cut.
The leaves of the white cedar are scale-like and pressed closely to the stems, arranged in flattened sprays. They have a vibrant green color, which darkens with age. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are yellow to green in color. The fruit is a small, brown oval cone, which only reaches maturity after two years.
White cedar is highly valued for its durable timber. It is lightweight, straight-grained, and easily worked, making it suitable for various applications, such as carpentry, exterior siding, and shingles. Additionally, it is renowned for its natural resistance to decay and insect damage, making it a preferred choice for outdoor furniture and fencing.
Furthermore, white cedar has cultural and historical significance. Native American tribes traditionally used its wood for canoes, storage boxes, and to build longhouses. Today, it remains an important tree in the conservation and reforestation efforts, as well as an attractive choice for landscaping due to its elegant shape and evergreen foliage.
The etymology of the word "white cedar" can be broken down as follows:
1. White: The word white comes from the Old English word "hwīt", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hwītaz". This word is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *ḱweytos, meaning "bright" or "shining".
2. Cedar: The word cedar comes from the Old French word "cedre", which is derived from the Latin word "cedrus", possibly borrowed from another language, possibly Ancient Greek. The Greek word "kedros" might have influenced the Latin term.
Combining these two components, "white cedar" refers to a specific type of cedar tree that is characterized by its whitish appearance, possibly referring to the color of its wood.