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. See balsam fir, silver fir, red fir
   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

On the way down he identifies trees by which needles are best to sleep on: Balsam fir is good.

From The Daily Beast

The Daily Pic: Monika Sosnowska plants her "Fir Tree" in Central Park.

From The Daily Beast

I took everything you taught me, flushed it down the toilet, and bought a pine fir hoping it would bring me spiritual nourishment.

From The Daily Beast

He saw the tips of the fir trees shimmer, and heard them whisper as the breeze turned their needles towards the light.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not see any others at that time amongst the fir-trees, though no doubt a few others were there.

From Project Gutenberg

I will hear him, and I will make him flourish like a green fir tree: from me is thy fruit found.

From Project Gutenberg

The sayling firr; this 'alludes to the ship's masts and spars being made of fir.'

From Project Gutenberg

In one hand he carried a peevie, a big wooden lever with an iron hook on it, such as men use in rolling fir logs.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cedar
• pine