ironwood

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun handsome East Indian evergreen tree often planted as an ornamental for its fragrant white flowers that yield a perfume; source of very heavy hardwood used for railroad ties
noun exceptionally tough or hard wood of any of a number of ironwood trees
noun a small slow-growing deciduous tree of northern Iran having a low domed shape

From iron + wood, because of its toughness.

Nunn cut me a stout ironwood cudgel as a handy weapon. — Bidwell's Travels, from Wall Street to London Prison: Fifteen Years in Solitude, Austin Bidwell
Peter's gray tweed coat flopped in a heap upon the ironwood deck. — Peter the Brazen: A Mystery Story of Modern China, George F. (George Frank) Worts
Wooden knives are constructed from such hardwood trees as the black ironwood. — The North-West Amazons: Notes of some months spent among cannibal tribes, Thomas Whiffen

rose chestnut, ironwood tree, Mesua ferrea

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