undergrowth

[ uhn-der-grohth ]

noun

1. low-lying vegetation or small trees growing beneath larger trees; underbrush.
2. the condition of being undergrown or undersized.
3. short, fine hair underlying longer, outer wool or fur.

undergrowth

/ ˈʌndəˌɡrəʊθ /

noun

1. small trees, bushes, ferns, etc, growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest
2. the condition of being undergrown
3. a growth of short fine hairs beneath longer ones; underfur

Word History and Origins

Origin of undergrowth¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; under- + growth

Example Sentences

For instance, standard plantation management usually includes suppression of the undergrowth by using large amounts of herbicides and fertilizers.

From Science Daily

Her own recent study found levels of flammable forest undergrowth surged in southeastern Australia after European colonists arrived.

From Science Magazine

Many keystone tree species of the region, including red and white oaks, depend on fire to curb undergrowth and create space within the canopy so sunlight can reach seedlings.

From Salon

Fierce wildfires can transform green canopies and undergrowth to gray ash.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, in late June, all that lush undergrowth was leveled by a contractor hired by Los Angeles’ Department of Recreation and Parks to conform with the Los Angeles Fire Department’s brush clearance requirements.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• thicket