coniferous

American  

[koh-nif-er-uhs, kuh-] / koʊˈnɪf ər əs, kə- /

adjective

Botany.

1. belonging or pertaining to the conifers.

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coniferous British  

/ kɒ-, kəˈnɪfərəs /

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of coniferous

First recorded in 1655–65; see origin at conifer, -ous

Explanation

Anything that's coniferous has to do with trees or shrubs that grow pinecones. If you celebrate Christmas, you might observe the holiday by decorating a coniferous tree with lights and ornaments. The adjective coniferous is used to describe conifers, woody evergreens that have cones and needles rather than leaves. Coniferous forests and taigas are full of these trees, including pines, hemlocks, junipers, and firs. Whenever you see a pinecone, you can be sure it came from a coniferous tree or shrub. The Latin source of coniferous means "cone-bearing," from roots conus, "cone," and ferre, "to carry."

Example Sentences

Coniferous woods as a rule are not as tough as hardwoods, of which hickory and elm are the best examples.

From The Mechanical Properties of Wood Including a Discussion of the Factors Affecting the Mechanical Properties, and Methods of Timber Testing by Record, Samuel J.

Coniferous species of trees constitute fully ninety-five per cent. of the arborescent growth in the region.

From The Lake of the Sky Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras of California and Nevada, its History, Indians, Discovery by Frémont, Legendary Lore, Various Namings, Physical Characteristics, Glacial Phenomena, Geology, Single Outlet, Automobile Routes, Historic Towns, Early Mining Excitements, Steamer Ride, Mineral Springs, Mountain and Lake Resorts, Trail and Camping Out Trips, Summer Residences, Fishing, Hunting, Flowers, Birds, Animals, Trees, and Chaparral, with a Full Account of the Tahoe National Forest, the Public Use of the Water of Lake Tahoe and Much Other Interesting Matter by James, George Wharton

Coniferous woods are, moreover, divisible into two regions—that of the pines and that of the firs.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by Cooke, M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt)

Author of "Practical Forestry," "Hardy Coniferous Trees," "British Orchids," &c., &c.

From Hardy Ornamental Flowering Trees and Shrubs by Webster, Angus Duncan

Coniferous woods have no pores, their rays are always narrow and inconspicuous, and wood parenchyma is never prominent.

From Studies of Trees by Levison, Jacob Joshua