Crossword Genius

Conifer, solid, clipped (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fir

'conifer' is the definition.
(fir is a kind of conifer)

'solid clipped' is the wordplay.
'solid' becomes 'firm' ('firm' can be a synonym of 'solid').
'clipped' means to remove the last letter.
'firm' with its final letter taken off is 'FIR'.

(Other definitions for fir that I've seen before include "Coniferous tree" , "Pine tree for Gaelic men?" , "wood" , "Tree for Irishmen" , "Evergreen tree for Irish men?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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