coniferous

[ koh-nif-er-uhs, kuh- ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. belonging or pertaining to the conifers. Compare conifer ( def 1 ).

coniferous

/ kɒ-; kəˈnɪfərəs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the plant phylum Coniferophyta See conifer

Word History and Origins

Origin of coniferous¹

First recorded in 1655–65; conifer, -ous

Example Sentences

It tore through more than 4,000 acres of dense coniferous forest near the Seattle City Light’s hydropower dams and two towns that house staff.

From Seattle Times

This pattern has been identified as one of the unexpected symptoms of climate change, and its impact on the chickadees is providing an early warning of the disruptions ahead within these coniferous forest ecosystems.

From Los Angeles Times

They were also more likely to consume seeds on the spot in coniferous forests than in broadleaf forests, again probably because of the availability of other food stores.

From Science Daily

The ancient pollen record shows coniferous forests and grasslands characterized the region, able to support foraging and hunting by humans.

From Science Daily

Among all the cities, Seattle’s coniferous forests was the coolest type, by about 9 degrees on average.

From Seattle Times