annual ring
annual ring — noun
1. A visible circle in the cross-section of a tree trunk or branch that corresponds
A visible circle in the cross-section of a tree trunk or branch that corresponds to one year of new growth.
Asher counted the annual rings on the old oak stump to learn its age.
count annual rings to determine the age of a tree
A very wide annual ring shows that the tree had a good growing season.
Scientists examine annual rings to learn what the weather was like centuries ago.
The maple log had thirty-seven annual rings, meaning it was thirty-seven years old.
Each annual ring has a lighter inner part and a darker outer part.
- growth ring
Emphasises the growth process; interchangeable with 'annual ring' in most contexts.
- tree ring
More common in everyday conversation; slightly less formal than 'annual ring'.
文法句型
annual ring + verb (show, indicate, reveal)
count + annual ring(s)
用法筆記
Commonly used in the plural (annual rings) when referring to the full set visible in a cross-section.