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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
To determine at what age the animals had died, researchers used X-ray imaging to count the growth rings on their teeth, like how botanists count the rings of a tree. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2024 The team explains how scientists can examine an octopus’ beak, stylets, and growth rings in the lab to determine how old the animal is. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Apr. 2024 By measuring growth rings on the fossils, the researchers found that they were closely clustered toward the outside of the bone. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2024 The growth rings inside the bone from three specimens — including Jane and Petey — likewise suggest slowing growth rates. Asher Elbein, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for growth ring 

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 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

growth ring

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

More from Merriam-Webster on growth ring

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!