spruce1

 
Pronunciation: /spruːs/

noun

  • a widespread coniferous tree which has a distinctive conical shape and hanging cones, widely grown for timber, pulp, and Christmas trees.
    • Genus Picea, family Pinaceae: many species

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting Prussia or something originating in Prussia): alteration of obsolete Pruce 'Prussia'. The application to the tree dates from the early 17th century