conifer

noun

co·​ni·​fer ˈkä-nə-fər How to pronounce conifer (audio)
 also  ˈkō-
: any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves and including forms (such as pines) with true cones and others (such as yews) with an arillate fruit
coniferous adjective

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Any of an order of trees and shrubs, conifers usually have usually needle-shaped or scale-like leaves. Conifers include forms (such as pines) with true cones and others (such as yews) that bear a fruit. There are more than 550 species of conifers, and most are evergreen trees and shrubs. They grow throughout the world (except in Antarctica) and prefer temperate climate zones. They include the world's smallest and tallest trees. Conifers supply softwood timber used for general construction, boxes and crates, and other articles, as well as pulpwood for paper. The wood is also used as fuel and in the manufacture of cellulose products, plywood, and veneers. The trees are the source of resins, oils, turpentine, tars, and pharmaceuticals.

Examples of conifer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some 130 million years ago during the early Cretaceous, when dinosaurs still reigned, the world was transitioning from domination by ferns and conifers to domination by flowering plants. Ari Daniel, NPR, 28 June 2024 As the fires consumed dry grass, pine, juniper, and conifer, around 8,000 people were forced to evacuate. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 21 June 2024 Go early to circumnavigate this alpine tarn in relative peace, passing through a shady conifer forest while the morning light bathes Hallett and Longs Peaks in dreamy light. Emily Pennington, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2023 The sawfly larva feeds on the needles of conifers, including the lower portion, which contains resin from the branch. Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for conifer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conifer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin conifer cone-bearing, from conus cone + -fer

First Known Use

circa 1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conifer was circa 1841

Dictionary Entries Near conifer

Cite this Entry

“Conifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conifer. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

conifer

noun
con·​i·​fer
ˈkän-ə-fər,
 also  ˈkō-nə-
: any of an order of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having leaves resembling needles or scales in shape and including forms (as pines) with true cones

More from Merriam-Webster on conifer

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