conifer
noun
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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
Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024
Maryanne Pittman, the foundation’s public programs director, will teach participants about the diversity of cones from California’s native conifers, cypresses and firs, exploring their shapes, textures and unique structures.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
Even the nursery tags can be confusing—conifers often list a 10-year height and width, which can surprise you on year 12.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024
California is home to more than a dozen species of pine trees and has some of the largest, tallest and oldest conifers in the world, according to the California Native Plant Society.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Conifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conifer. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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