conifer

noun

co·​ni·​fer ˈkä-nə-fər 

 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

kō-ˈni-f(ə-)rəs 

kə-

adjective

Did you know?

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

Evergreen’s attraction is that residents live amidst towering conifer trees. —Dave Marston, The Denver Post, 11 June 2024

Saybrook Juniper Companion Plants 'Fat Albert' Colorado Blue Spruce The rich blue needles of this pyramidal conifer contrast beautifully with the golden-yellow foliage of the Saybrook Gold juniper. —Nadia Hassani, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2024

Rugged scenery shifts from drift ice and mountain peaks to sparkling lakes and old-growth conifer forests. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2024

The destination features its Butterfly Garden with a variety of plants, Dinosaur Garden of ferns and conifers and the Endangered Species Garden devoted to the propagation and preservation of endangered plants. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1841, in the meaning defined above

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