white fir

noun

1. a tall, narrow fir, Abies concolor, of western North America, yielding a soft wood used for lumber, pulp, boxes, etc.
2. the wood of this tree.
3. any of various similar firs of western North America, or their wood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of white fir¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Infested trees can die with three to five years, while white fir withstand infestation with no apparent ill effects.

From Science Daily

Conditions favored shade-tolerant trees — white fir, red fir and incense cedar — that prefer dense, closed canopies.

From Los Angeles Times

The official Christmas White House Tree is an 18½-foot white fir from Auburn, Pennsylvania, that features handmade renderings of the official birds from all 57 states, territories and the District of Columbia.

From Washington Times

There are now more fire intolerant shrubs and tree species, such as white firs, at lower elevations.

From New York Times

“We’re not looking to take every grand fir and white fir out of the forests.”

From Seattle Times