What term refers to any tough, heavy timber with a compact texture?

The term that refers to any tough, heavy timber with a compact texture is hardwood. Hardwoods generally come from deciduous trees, which are trees that shed their leaves annually. These types of timber are known for their density and strength, making them suitable for various applications, including furniture making, flooring, and cabinetry.

Hardwoods tend to have a tighter grain structure, which contributes to their durability and gives them an attractive finish when polished. This is in contrast to softwoods, which are lighter and come from coniferous trees; softwoods do not possess the same level of density or durability as hardwoods.

Plywood and chipboard are engineered wood products made from layers of wood veneer or wood particles, respectively, and they do not fit the definition of a tough, heavy timber. Therefore, hardwood is the most accurate term when describing tough, heavy timber with a compact texture.