fir

¹

[ fur ]

noun

1. any coniferous tree belonging to the genus Abies, of the pine family, characterized by its pyramidal style of growth, flat needles, and erect cones.
2. the wood of such a tree.

FIR

²

abbreviation for

1. far-infrared radiation.

fir

/ fɜː /

noun

1. any pyramidal coniferous tree of the N temperate genus Abies , having single needle-like leaves and erect cones: family Pinaceae See also red fir silver fir balsam fir
2. any of various other trees of the family Pinaceae , such as the Douglas fir
3. the wood of any of these trees

Word History and Origins

Origin of fir¹

1250–1300; Middle English firre, Old English fyrh; cognate with Old Saxon furie; akin to Old English furh- (in fuhrwudu pine), Old Norse fura fir, Latin quercus oak (< *perkwu- )

Word History and Origins

Origin of fir¹

Old English furh ; related to Old Norse fura , Old High German foraha fir, Latin quercus oak

Example Sentences

In fact, their results showed that there were positive gains at many levels including biodiversity, ecosystems and economic viability, especially for the combination of beech with Douglas fir.

From Science Daily

One of his firs rules: “Always have class.”

From Los Angeles Times

The two creeks flow through rocky canyons shaded by pines and Douglas firs, where ferns grow along the banks.

From Los Angeles Times

In March 2023, the producers of Amazon’s holiday movie “Candy Cane Lane,” starring Eddie Murphy, were determined to set a 15-foot fir aflame for a scene, according to court papers filed in a recent lawsuit.

From New York Times

This spring, as in the past several years, the needles on Douglas firs are yellowing, turning red and then dropping to the ground in forests across southwestern Oregon.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cedar
• pine