Word
rainforest
Phoneticsrain·for·est, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹaɪnˌfɔɹəst/
UK/ɹˈeɪnfˌɒɹɪst/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a thick forest in a tropical area that gets a lot of rain. These forests are home to many different kinds of plants and animals.
n. a dense forest, typically found in tropical areas, characterized by high rainfall and a diverse ecosystem. Often used to describe regions with a closed canopy and high biodiversity.
Examples
“The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world.”
“Many rare species of birds live deep within the tropical rainforest where the trees are tallest.”
“Conservationists argue that protecting the rainforest is essential for maintaining global climate stability and preserving genetic diversity that could lead to future medical breakthroughs.”
Examples
simple
“The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world.”
contextual
“Many rare species of birds live deep within the tropical rainforest where the trees are tallest.”
complex
“Conservationists argue that protecting the rainforest is essential for maintaining global climate stability and preserving genetic diversity that could lead to future medical breakthroughs.”
Usage
Usually countable when referring to a specific geographic area; uncountable when discussing the habitat type in general.
Etymology
From rain + forest, a calque of German Regenwald.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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