white fir

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of white fir

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Akira and Sue limped through a patch of California lilac and white firs, the fire hissing and growling somewhere behind them.

From Literature

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