Definition

The process of preparing thin slices of wood for examination under a microscope.

Example

Xylotomy is essential for studying the cellular structure of trees.

Conversation

Have you heard about xylotomy?

No, what's that?

It's the preparation of wood sections for microscopic study.

That sounds interesting! I didn’t know there was a term for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Xylotomy is formed from "xylo-" (from Greek "xylon", meaning wood) and "-tomy" (from Greek "tomia", meaning cutting). The word refers to the process of cutting or preparing wood specimens for study.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wood' ('xylo-') being 'cut' ('-tomy') — that's what xylotomy means.

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