understory

[ uhn-der-stawr-ee, -stohr-ee ]

noun

1. the shrubs and plants growing beneath the main canopy of a forest.

Word History and Origins

Origin of understory¹

First recorded in 1900–05; under- + story ²

Example Sentences

“We understand the community’s concerns, appreciate the feedback we’ve received,” Saeki said, adding that the city will plant larger replacement trees “wherever possible,” as well as add 39,000 square feet of understory landscaping and 18,000 square feet of new park space.

From Los Angeles Times

“We understand the community’s concerns, appreciate the feedback we’ve received,” Saeki said, adding that the city will plant larger replacement trees “wherever possible,” as well as add 39,000 square feet of understory landscaping and 18,000 square feet of new park space.

From Los Angeles Times

Many Indigenous cultures, for example, used a practice called intentional burning -- also known as cultural burning -- which decreased forest density, promoted healthy understory growth, and hosted a broad diversity of plant and animal life.

From Science Daily

These practices over time yielded "mosaics" of forests made up of diverse patches of trees varying in age, density, and overstory and understory composition.

From Science Daily

Many tropical birds spend their lives deep in the forest understory.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• thicket