spruce
A tall evergreen tree with short, stiff needles and cones.
The word spruce has two completely unrelated meanings:
- A type of evergreen tree with short, stiff needles and hanging cones. Spruce trees grow tall and straight, making them valuable for lumber and paper. Many Christmas trees are spruces. These trees thrive in cold northern forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. The wood is light but strong, perfect for building everything from houses to musical instruments like guitars and violins.
- To make something neat, clean, and attractive, usually used with “up.” When you spruce up your room before guests arrive, you might organize your books, straighten your desk, and put away clutter. A restaurant might spruce up its appearance with fresh paint and new decorations. Someone getting ready for a party might spruce themselves up by combing their hair and putting on nice clothes. The phrase suggests making quick improvements that noticeably improve how something looks, like tidying rather than completely remodeling.