First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1forest
noun, for·est often attributive \ˈfȯr-əst, ˈfär-\
: a thick growth of trees and bushes that covers a large area
Full Definition of FOREST
1
: a dense growth of trees and underbrush covering a large tract
2
: a tract of wooded land in England formerly owned by the sovereign and used for game
3
: something resembling a forest especially in profusion or lushness <a forest of microphones> <a kelp forest>
— for·est·al \-əs-təl\ or fo·res·tial \fə-ˈres-tē-əl, fȯ-, -ˈres(h)-chəl\ adjective
— for·est·ed \ˈfȯr-ə-stəd, ˈfär-\ adjective
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Origin of FOREST
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin forestis (silva) unenclosed (woodland), from Latin foris outside — more at forum
Related to FOREST
- Synonyms
- forestland, timber, timberland, wood(s), woodland
Other Ecology Terms
2forest
verb
Definition of FOREST
transitive verb
: to cover with trees or forest <land densely forested with firs>
— for·es·ta·tion \ˌfȯr-ə-ˈstā-shən, ˌfär-\ noun
First Known Use of FOREST
circa 1828
Other Ecology Terms
FOREST Defined for Kids
forest
noun for·est \ˈfȯr-əst\
Definition of FOREST for Kids
: a growth of trees and underbrush covering a large area
— for·est·ed \-əs-təd\ adjective
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