dendrochronology

noun

den·​dro·​chro·​nol·​o·​gy ˌden-(ˌ)drō-krə-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce dendrochronology (audio)
: the science of dating events and variations in environment in former periods by comparative study of growth rings in trees and aged wood
dendrochronological adjective
dendrochronologically adverb
dendrochronologist noun

Examples of dendrochronology 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.
By using radiocarbon dating — a method used to determine the age of organic materials, such as wood from trees — and dendrochronology, the science of dating tree rings, the researchers of the new study determined the Kyrenia’s sinking occurred between 296 BC and 271 BC. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 26 June 2024 Researchers have been able to determine the exact time of year the trees were felled using dendrochronology, a method of using the lines from tree rings to determine age and environmental conditions. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 June 2024 Using dendrochronology techniques, Black has made chronologies of climate shifts in the north Pacific over the last 500 years. The Arizona Republic, 19 Feb. 2024 Through dendrochronology, the science of dating tree rings, it was determined that logs used to build the cabin at 417 Jonathan St. were chopped down as early as the winter of 1739, Redding said, and put to use elsewhere before the Jonathan Street home was constructed. Abigail Gruskin, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dendrochronology 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dendrochronology was circa 1928

Dictionary Entries Near dendrochronology

Cite this Entry

“Dendrochronology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dendrochronology. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on dendrochronology

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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