pöljy

Pöljy is a Finnish word that can refer to several things, primarily a type of wood or timber, and by extension, a piece of lumber. In its most common usage, pöljy refers to a log or a thick branch of a tree that has been cut. It is often distinguished from sahatavara, which is sawn lumber. The term can also be used more broadly to describe rough-cut wood that has not yet been processed into planks or other finished forms.

Historically, pöljy was a fundamental material in construction and fuel. It would be used for building log houses, fences, and for heating homes. The term carries connotations of raw, unprocessed wood. In some contexts, pöljy can also refer to a stout or thick piece of anything, not exclusively wood, though this is a less common usage. The word's etymology is related to older Germanic words for "trunk" or "stem." Understanding pöljy is key to appreciating traditional Finnish woodworking and resource utilization.