A fragrant wood from trees of the genus Santalum, highly valued for its sweet scent and used in perfumes, incense, and religious ceremonies. The wood retains its fragrance for decades.
From Medieval Latin santalum, which came from Arabic صندل (sandal), ultimately derived from Sanskrit चन्दन (candana) meaning 'sandalwood.' The word entered English in the 14th century through trade connections, as sandalwood was one of the most precious commodities in medieval commerce between Asia and Europe.
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