cambium

noun

cam·​bi·​um ˈkam-bē-əm 

plural cambiums or cambia ˈkam-bē-ə 

: 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

ˈkam-bē-əl 

adjective

Examples of cambium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

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

Phrases Containing cambium

• cork cambium

Kids Definition

cambium

noun

cam·​bi·​um ˈkam-bē-əm 

plural cambiums or cambia -bē-ə 

: a thin cell layer between the xylem and phloem of most vascular plants from which new cells (as of wood and bark) develop

cambial

-bē-əl 

adjective