Boreal Forest
/ˈbɔːr.i.əl ˈfɒr.ɪst/noun
A predominantly coniferous forest biome found in high northern latitudes, especially across Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Russia.
Did you know?“Boreal” comes from Boreas, the personified ancient Greek north wind, while “forest” may descend from a Latin term meaning woodland beyond settled or cultivated land.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Βορέας (Boréas)
“The north wind, personified as the god Boreas”
Late Latin
Latin
borealis
“Northern; of the north wind”
Medieval Latin
Latin
forestis
“A wooded area, especially land outside cultivated or settled territory”
12th Century
Old French
forest
“A large wooded area or wilderness”
14th Century
English
forest
“An extensive tract of woodland, originally often under legal hunting protection”
19th Century
English
boreal forest
“The northern coniferous forest biome”