also: ならいめ
noun
with the grain
Refers to the direction parallel to wood fibers; used in woodworking and similar contexts.
木材は順目に切ると割れにくい。
Wood is less likely to split when cut with the grain.
逆目 means 'against the grain', the opposite direction of 順目.
Compound of 順 (じゅん, 'order, following') and 目 (め, 'grain, texture'). The reading ならいめ is from 倣う (ならう, 'to follow, imitate') + 目, but this form is rare.