What term describes a lengthwise cut between or through the natural growth rings of wood?

The correct term that describes a lengthwise cut between or through the natural growth rings of wood is quarter cut. This method involves cutting the log into quarters, which allows the sawyer to create boards that are more dimensionally stable and less likely to warp. When the wood is quarter cut, the board displays a straight grain pattern and is often preferred for certain applications, including woodworking and fine furniture making, due to its aesthetic appeal and strength.

The other options do not accurately represent this specific type of cut. Grain cut refers generally to how wood's grain appears after cutting and is not a formal term used in lumber processing. Shake typically describes a defect in wood where a crack or fissure develops along the growth rings, not a method of cutting. Bark cut suggests a cut that involves removing the outer bark of a tree, which does not describe the relation to growth rings or the dimensional characteristics sought in lumber production.