coniferous

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

adjective Botany.

belonging or pertaining to the conifers. Compare conifer(def 1).

Origin of coniferous

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

Words nearby coniferous

conics, conidiophore, conidium, conifer, coniferin, coniferous, coniine, coniofibrosis, coniology, coniophage, coniosis

Example sentences from the Web for coniferous

British Dictionary definitions for coniferous

coniferous
/ (kəˈnɪfərəs, kɒ-) /

adjective

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

Scientific definitions for coniferous

conifer
[ kŏn′ə-fər ]

Any of various gymnosperms that bear their reproductive structures in cones and belong to the phylum Coniferophyta. Conifers evolved around 300 million years ago and, as a group, show many adaptations to drier and cooler environments. They are usually evergreen and often have drought-resistant leaves that are needle-shaped or scalelike. They depend on the wind to blow pollen produced by male cones to female cones, where fertilization takes place and seeds develop. Conifers are widely distributed, but conifer species dominate the northern forest biome known as the taiga. There are some 550 species of conifers, including the pines, firs, spruces, hemlocks, cypresses, junipers, yews, and redwoods. See more at pollination seed-bearing plant.

Other words from conifer

coniferous adjective