/koh"neuh feuhr, kon"euh-/ , n.
1. any of numerous, chiefly evergreen trees or shrubs of the class Coniferinae (or group Coniferales), including the pine, fir, spruce, and other cone-bearing trees and shrubs, and also the yews and their allies that bear drupelike seeds.
2. a plant producing naked seeds in cones, or single naked seeds as in yews, but with pollen always borne in cones.
[ 1350-1400; ME conefere conifer coniferous, equiv. to con ( us ) CONE + -I- + -fer -FER ]