Glossary - T

Coincident with a tangent at the circumference of a tree or log, or parallel to such a tangent. In practice, it often means roughly coincident with a growth ring.

Reducing gradually in width or diameter.

Woodland of a usually mild climatic within the temperate zone that receives heavy rainfall, usually includes numerous kinds of trees and is distinguished from a tropical rainforest by the presence of a dominant tree.

Dry-bulb - Temperature of air as indicated by a standard thermometer. Wet-Bulb - Temperature indicated by any temperature-measuring device, the sensitive element of which is covered by a smooth, clean, soft, water saturated cloth (wet-bulb wick).  

A state or condition of being pulled or stretched by a force.

Whitish ant-like social insect of the order Isoptera found in warm and tropical regions. Some species feed on wood, causing damage to furniture, buildings, and trees.

Characteristic determined by the size and quality of the wood elements. Descriptive terms include fine, medium, uniform, even, uneven, coarse.

A structural member resisting tension forces along the grain.

An arch tied at the base with a tension member.

A general term for natural or sawn wood in a form suitable for building or structural purposes.

A joint where a ridge or tongue in one piece fits a matching groove in the other.

A quality of wood which permits the material to absorb a relatively large amount of energy, to withstand repeated shocks, and to undergo considerable deformation before breaking. Specific toughness classification are set out in AS 1720.2 SAA Timber Structures Code - Part 2 Timber Properties.

The elongated cells that constitute the greater part of the structure of the softwoods; also present but uncommon in some hardwoods.

The accepted regional names given to particular species by industry. Trade names are standardised in AS 2543, Nomenclature of Australian Timbers and AS 1148, Nomenclature of Commercial Timbers imported into Australia.

Timbers sawn so that there are both back sawn and quarter sawn sections in the piece.

The horizontal platform of a stair.

Joining structural members together so that they form a rigid triangle

The structural member on the side of a framed rough opening to narrow or stiffen the opening. Also the shortened stud (jack stud) which supports a header in a door or window opening.

A frame of members in the same plane joined only at their end and all interconnected to form triangles. Primary stresses are axial so that if loads are applied at the joints, the stress in each member is in the direction of its length.

An arch where the main member is made up of elements arranged as a truss

A timber beam reinforced with a trussed metal tension rod (see also barrup truss)

A spiral distortion along the length of a piece of timber.