[spruːs], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a widespread coniferous tree which has a distinctive conical shape and hanging cones, widely grown for timber, pulp, and Christmas trees


Phrases:

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

[spruːs], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- neat in dress and appearance
(e.g: Angela was a very spruce and tidy person)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 16th century: perhaps from spruce in the obsolete sense ‘Prussian’, in the phrase spruce (leather) jerkin

[spruːs], (Verb)

Definitions:
- make someone or something smarter or tidier
(e.g: the fund will be used to spruce up historic buildings)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 16th century: perhaps from spruce in the obsolete sense ‘Prussian’, in the phrase spruce (leather) jerkin

[spruːs], (Verb)

Definitions:
- engage in pretence or deception, especially by feigning illness
(e.g: he's no fool; he'd have known if she was sprucing)


Phrases:

Origin:
early 20th century: of unknown origin