First Known Use: circa 1841
Dictionary
tundra
noun tun·dra \ˈtən-drə also ˈtu̇n-\
: a large area of flat land in northern parts of the world where there are no trees and the ground is always frozen
Full Definition of TUNDRA
: a level or rolling treeless plain that is characteristic of arctic and subarctic regions, consists of black mucky soil with a permanently frozen subsoil, and has a dominant vegetation of mosses, lichens, herbs, and dwarf shrubs; also : a similar region confined to mountainous areas above timberline
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Origin of TUNDRA
Russian, from Russian dialect (northeast) tundra, tundara, from Kildin Sami (Sami language of the northern Kola Peninsula) tūnter
Related to TUNDRA
Other Ecology Terms
TUNDRA Defined for Kids
tundra
noun tun·dra \ˈtən-drə\
Definition of TUNDRA for Kids
: a treeless plain of arctic regions having a permanently frozen layer below the surface of the soil
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