Large areas of land covered with trees and undergrowth, forming complex ecosystems. The plural of forest, referring to multiple wooded areas or woodland systems.
From Old French 'forest,' originally meaning 'open woodland reserved for royal hunting,' from Medieval Latin 'forestis' meaning 'outside' (the normal enclosed farmland). The root 'foris' means 'outdoors' or 'beyond.' The royal hunting preserve sense gradually expanded to mean any large wooded area.
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