growth ring

noun

: a layer of wood (such as an annual ring) produced during a single period of growth

Examples of growth ring in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After cutting the tree (preferably in winter when the sap flow is down), section a 4- to 6-foot length and scrape off the bark, taking care not to cut through the outer growth ring, which would create a weak spot where the bow can break. Keith McCafferty, Field & Stream, 29 June 2023 Details in the tusk material include growth rings and hints of animal health. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 3 May 2023 The strain of rising average temperatures and dropping regular precipitation can be measured in the shrinking growth rings of century-old trees. The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2023 Even then, the growth rings were too narrow to be examined effectively by eye. Anna Gibbs, Quanta Magazine, 20 Mar. 2023 Thin lines within a bone — much like growth rings in a tree — can indicate the age of an animal by marking where the growth of the cortical bone slowed or stopped for annual dry seasons or winters. Anna Gibbs, Quanta Magazine, 20 Mar. 2023 As trees do, clam shells form yearly growth rings. Sydney Page, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2023 Posted by Gulf Specimen Marine Lab on Monday, February 20, 2023 Quahogs have concentric growth rings, according to NOAA. CBS News, 3 Mar. 2023 Trees in temperate climate zones form a growth ring each year, just under the bark. Aoife Daly, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'growth ring.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of growth ring was in 1907

Dictionary Entries Near growth ring

Cite this Entry

“Growth ring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth%20ring. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

growth ring

noun
: a layer of wood (as an annual ring) produced during a single period of growth

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