rainforest
Definition
A rainforest is a forest that receives a lot of rain. Rainforests are found near the equator, where the sun is always shining and the temperature is always warm.
Rainforests are home to many different plants and animals. Some of the plants in rainforests are very tall, like the rainforest giant tree. Other plants in rainforests are very small, like the poison dart frog.
Animals in rainforests also come in all shapes and sizes. Some animals in rainforests are very big, like the jaguar. Other animals in rainforests are very small, like the hummingbird.
Rainforests are important for the Earth. They help to clean the air and water. They also help to prevent climate change.
How can the word be used?
The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- a forest that receives a large amount of rainfall (usually at least 200 centimetres per year).
- a forest that is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
Etymology
The word "rainforest" is a combination of the words "rain" and "forest".
The word "rain" comes from the Old English word "regn", which also means "rain".
The word "forest" comes from the Latin word "forestis", which means "wooded land".
The first recorded use of the word "rainforest" was in the 1870s.
Question
What are rainforests?