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tundra

Definition

Tundra is a cold, treeless region found in the Arctic and Antarctic. It is characterized by low-growing plants, such as mosses, lichens, and grasses.

The ground in the tundra is permanently frozen, called permafrost. This makes it difficult for plants to grow roots.

The sun shines for 24 hours in the summer, but it is still cold. The sun shines for only a few hours in the winter, and it is very cold.

Tundra is home to many animals, such as caribou, muskoxen, and Arctic foxes. These animals are adapted to the cold climate.

How can the word be used?

The Arctic tundra is a cold, treeless region.

tundra

Different forms of the word

Noun:

a treeless Arctic region with a permanently frozen subsoil.

Adjective:

of or relating to the tundra.

Etymology

The word "tundra" comes from the Kildin Sami word "tūndâr", which means "uplands", "treeless mountain tract".

The first recorded use of the word "tundra" in English was in 1841.

The word "tundra" is a Kildin Sami word, and it is related to the Finnish word "tunturi" and the Norwegian word "tundra".

Question

What is tundra?