What does the term "hardwood" refer to in the context of trees?

The term "hardwood" refers specifically to wood that comes from trees that generally lose their leaves annually, known as deciduous trees. These trees typically have broad leaves and include species such as oak, maple, and cherry. Hardwoods are often denser and more durable compared to softwoods, which come from coniferous trees that usually retain their needles throughout the year. The distinction between hardwood and softwood is not primarily about the hardness or softness of the wood, but rather about the botanical classification of the trees from which it comes. While many hardwoods are indeed durable, the term itself is intrinsically linked to the characteristics of the trees that produce them, rather than their cost or physical properties.