pine

/paɪn/
nounBeginner
general

a tall evergreen tree with needle-like leaves and cones

Pine needles carpeted the forest floor.

The ground was covered with the small, sharp leaves of pine trees.

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Pine trees are commonly used for timber and as ornamental plants.

general

wood from a pine tree, often used in construction and furniture

The cabin was built entirely from pine.

The small house was constructed using wood from pine trees.

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Pine wood is lightweight and resistant to decay.

figurative

a strong, sharp feeling of longing or sadness

She felt a deep pine for her childhood home.

She experienced a strong sense of longing for her past home.

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This usage is less common and often poetic.

Collocations

pine treea tree of the pine speciespine woodwood from a pine treepine needlesthe small, sharp leaves of a pine tree

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

pine awayphrase
to waste away from grief or longing
pine forphrase
to long or yearn for something or someone

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

The most common use of 'pine' is to refer to the tree, especially in contexts like 'pine tree' or 'pine wood'.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Be aware that 'pine' can mean both a tree and a feeling of longing, so context is important.

📖Word Origin

From Old English 'pīn', possibly from Latin 'pīnus', meaning 'pine tree'.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'pine' is most commonly used to refer to the tree, but it can also mean a feeling of longing in poetic contexts.

Word Breakdown

pine
a tall evergreen tree
root
English Dictionary