Relating to the northern regions of the world, especially the vast coniferous forest belt that stretches across Canada, Alaska, and northern Eurasia. Also refers to the cold climatic conditions of these northern areas.
From Latin 'borealis' meaning 'of the north wind,' derived from 'Boreas,' the Greek god of the north wind. The term entered English in the 15th century, initially used in astronomy and later applied to geography and ecology.
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