cambium

noun

cam·​bi·​um ˈkam-bē-əm How to pronounce cambium (audio)
plural cambiums or cambia ˈkam-bē-ə How to pronounce cambium (audio)
: a thin formative layer between the xylem and phloem of most vascular plants that gives rise to new cells and is responsible for secondary growth
cambial adjective

Examples of cambium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the West Coast of the United States, even the inner bark of the ponderosa pine was eaten by Native people in the spring for its carbohydrate-rich cambium layer. Michael J. Coren, Washington Post, 23 July 2024 Larvae hatched from eggs laid on an oak tree bore in to reach the cambium. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2024 The cambium layer is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion. Craig Caudill, Field & Stream, 12 June 2024 The cambium is like a tree’s blood vessels, Durbin said, carrying water and nutrients up and down. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for cambium 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, exchange, from Latin cambire to exchange — more at change

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cambium was in 1672

Dictionary Entries Near cambium

Cite this Entry

“Cambium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cambium. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cambium

noun
cam·​bi·​um ˈkam-bē-əm How to pronounce cambium (audio)
plural cambiums or cambia -bē-ə How to pronounce cambium (audio)
: a thin cell layer between the xylem and phloem of most vascular plants from which new cells (as of wood and bark) develop
cambial adjective

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