douglas fir
• noun
A large, evergreen coniferous tree native to western North America, characterized by hanging cones with distinct three-pointed bracts, and widely cultivated for forestry and as a Christmas tree.
"We bought a beautiful Douglas fir for our Christmas tree this year because of its strong branches and sweet fragrance."
The strong, durable wood of the Douglas fir tree, heavily utilized globally in building construction and woodworking.
"The contractor chose Douglas fir for the exposed structural beams due to its impressive load-bearing capacity and warm aesthetic."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite its common name, the Douglas fir is not a true fir (genus Abies); it actually belongs to its own distinct genus, Pseudotsuga, which translates to 'false hemlock'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.