ClimateAugust 20, 2026
boreal
BOR-ee-ul
Definition
Relating to the northern geographical regions, specifically the northern forest zone characterized by coniferous trees and cold climates.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek name Boreas, the god of the north wind. It entered English in the 17th century to describe anything relating to the north or northern regions.
In the news
The article uses the word to describe specific forest regions in North America that have experienced a significant increase in the amount of land burned by wildfires since 2000.
The State of Fire
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