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deadwood

 - 3 dictionary results

dead⋅wood

[ded-wood]
–noun
1. the dead branches on a tree; dead branches or trees.
2. useless or burdensome persons or things: He cut the deadwood from his staff.
3. (in writing) unnecessary words, phrases, or exposition; expendable verbiage.
4. Nautical. a solid construction, serving only as reinforcement, located between the keel of a vessel and the stem or sternpost.
5. Bowling. pins remaining on the alley after having been knocked down by the ball.
6. Cards.
a. Rummy. cards in a hand that have not been included in sets and are usually counted as points against the holder.
b. Poker. cards that have been discarded.

Origin:
1720–30; dead + wood 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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dead·wood   (děd'wŏŏd')   
n.  
  1. Dead branches or wood on a tree.

  2. One that is burdensome or superfluous.

  3. also dead wood Sports Fallen bowling pins that remain on the alley.

  4. Nautical The vertical planking between the keel of a vessel and the sternpost, serving as a reinforcement.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

Deadwood

city, seat (1877) of Lawrence county, western South Dakota, U.S. Located just northeast of Lead and about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Rapid City, Deadwood lies in a canyon formed by Whitewood Creek in the northern Black Hills, more than 4,530 feet (1,380 metres) above sea level. Built at the base of the steep wooded inclines of Deadwood Gulch and extending up the hillsides, it was named for the dead trees found in the canyon.

Learn more about Deadwood with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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