spalt

Etymology

Compare German Spalt (“stein”), from spalten (“to split”).

noun

1. Spelter.

adj

1. (of wood) Brittle.
   Note: (US) Spalted wood is that which has been cut from a naturally cured, dead, or dying hardwood tree whose wood is normally light in color (such as pecan), and which exhibits patterns of dark stain (crazed) lines and splotches caused by microorganisms and/or fungus. Although slightly more brittle and porous than normal wood from the same species of tree, spalted wood nevertheless can be used to make decorative items and small pieces of furniture.
   a brittle, spalt wood 1772, William Ellis, Husbandry, Abridged
2. Heedless; clumsy; pert; saucy.

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To break off pieces, or have them broken off, especially with an axe etc; to splinter.