bark General term for the covering of the stems of woody plants, comprising the secondary phloem, cork cambium, and cork. The bark is impervious to water and protects the stem from excessive evaporation; it also protects the more delicate tissues within. Extracts of bark may have medicinal uses, e.g., quinine from chinchona bark. Related category • BOTANY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |