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Glite Dictionary
Doug fir

Doug fir

1 4.4
A large evergreen tree with strong wood often used as a Christmas tree
  • noun
  • /dʌɡ fɪr/
  • US
translation icon : pino de Douglas
  • A contractor recommended using Doug fir for the construction of the beams because of its durability.

Examples

  • Many people choose a Doug fir for their Christmas tree.

  • We decorated a Doug fir for Christmas this year instead of a pine tree.

  • Several Doug firs grow along the edge of the property, providing year-round greenery.

  • The Doug fir is known for its strong, durable wood.

  • The Doug fir is known for its tall stature.

  • The Doug fir is often chosen as a Christmas tree due to its sturdy branches.

  • In our backyard, we planted a Doug fir to provide shade and improve the landscape.

Synonyms

Oregon fir
vsDoug fir
  • US
6.1

A tall evergreen tree native to northwest North America with short needles and egg-shaped cones, also called Douglas fir

is the common name used for its strong wood and Christmas use
Douglas pine
vsDoug fir
  • US
3.9

A tall evergreen tree from northwest North America with short needles and egg-shaped cones

is the common name emphasizing wood strength and festive tree use
Douglas spruce
vsDoug fir
  • US
7.1

A tall evergreen tree from northwestern North America with short needles and egg-shaped cones

is the common everyday name used for its sturdy wood and decoration use
Douglas hemlock
vsDoug fir
  • US
9.9

A tall evergreen tree from northwestern North America with short needles and egg-shaped cones

is the common name focusing on wood quality and seasonal decoration use

Surface Forms

Doug fir singular
Doug firs plural

Morphology

Doug + fir

The element 'fir' clearly signals a type of tree, so a B1 learner who knows 'fir' can infer this MWE names a kind of fir. However 'Doug' is a clipped proper name (short for Douglas) and does not transparently convey the specific species or attributes; learners may guess it is a named variety but not derive the full species meaning without prior exposure. Because part of the meaning (a type of fir) is predictable but the specific reference to Douglas fir is not, this is best classified as semi-transparent.

Etymology

Doug fir is named for the Scottish plant collector David Douglas, whose last name was shortened to Doug. People added fir because the tree looks like other firs, so the name stuck for this large evergreen used for strong wood and as a 'Christmas tree'.