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

Yet the existential crises facing our species — climate change, plastic pollution, the eradication of species — can only be solved through realistic solutions, like reducing emissions and protecting old growth forests.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 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

It said: "We do not take from protected forests, old growth or primary forest, sites that have been classified as having a high biodiversity value."

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2024

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

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day