Meaning & Definition of word "Prairie"
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Prairie
/ˈprɛəri/
noun:
- 1. A large area of flat or gently rolling grassland, especially in North America.
- Example: The vast prairie stretched for miles, covered in wildflowers.
- 2. Grassland characterized by a temperate climate, moderate to low rainfall, and few trees.
- Example: During the summer, the prairie becomes a vibrant sea of green.
- 3. A region in which such grasslands are predominant.
- Example: The American Midwest is known for its expansive prairies.
- 4. An ecosystem in which grass dominates the landscape and supports a variety of wildlife.
- Example: Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the biodiversity of the prairie ecosystem.
Etymology
From the French word 'prairie', meaning 'meadow'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
prairie dog:
A small burrowing rodent native to North America, known for its vocalizations.
prairie fire:
A fire that occurs in a prairie ecosystem, often started by natural causes or human activity.
Related Words
grassland:
A large open area where grass is the main vegetation.
biome:
A large ecological area on the Earth's surface, with flora and fauna adapting to their environment.
savanna:
A mixed grassland ecosystem characterized by trees that are sufficiently small or widely spaced apart.
Slang Meanings of prairie
Meaning: A vast open space.
Example Sentence: We're heading out to the prairie for some camping this weekend!