old growth

American  

noun

1. forest growth consisting of mature or overmature trees.

2. virgin timber.

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Other Word Forms

• old-growth adjective

Etymology

Origin of old growth

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

And the old growth forest that is enmeshed in the town’s identity is under threat.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2024

"We are very interested in understanding how Indigenous knowledge can be used in combination with western science to improve our management of all forest conditions including old growth," said Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2024

In the 1990s, however, ecological concerns prompted a pullback from logging on federal lands in the Pacific Northwest, where old growth had dwindled and habitat loss threatened many species.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2024

The enormous old growth cedar trees that once carpeted the Northwest coast are largely gone, but homes were made to last.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Then she points and says, “Do you see that? That old growth stump?”

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day