ENGLISH
REFERENCE

canopy

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkænəpi// UK //kˈænəpi// canopy

n. the upper layer of leaves and branches in a forest, forming a roof-like cover. You can also use it for a cloth cover on a vehicle or a shelter over a doorway.

n. the dense upper layer of vegetation formed by the interlocking crowns of trees; also, a fabric or rigid cover providing shelter from above.


SIMPLE

The birds sang from the thick forest canopy.

CONTEXTUAL

We walked under the canopy of the old oak trees to stay cool.

COMPLEX

The tropical rainforest canopy supports a vast diversity of species that never descend to the forest floor.

Origin

From Middle English canapy, canepie, canapee, canape, canope, from Old French conopé, Medieval Latin canapeum, canopeum, from Latin cōnōpēum (“mosquito net, canopy”), from Ancient Greek κωνωπεῖον (kōnōpeîon, “mosquito net”), from Ancient Greek κώνωψ (kṓnōps, “mosquito”), of uncertain origin. More at Ancient Greek κώνωψ (kṓnōps). Doublet of canapé and conopeum.

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