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

Both camps were concealed in undergrowth and shrubbery and he had also taken to shaving his head to change his appearance and evade police.

From BBC

Eventually two French gendarmes spotted them through the undergrowth and walked, slowly, forwards.

From BBC

For centuries, natural wildfires burned dead trees and undergrowth in California, keeping huge fires in check.

From Los Angeles Times

Police officers on Thursday were seen holding pitchforks as they combed land in the area on the outskirts of the municipality of Lagos and some used pick-axes and shovels to dig some of the undergrowth.

From BBC

The tree is native to California and resistant to fire, but not if surrounded by thick mustard weed undergrowth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• thicket