WordLens

arboreal

1 of 1adjective
/ɑrˈbɔriəl/
1

related to or typically found within trees and tree ecosystems

  • The tropical rainforest supports a rich diversity of arboreal plant life high in the canopy, including epiphytic orchids, ferns and bromeliads.
  • Early humans were able to extend their habitat into arboreal zones like tall riparian woodlands by developing tree-climbing techniques.
  • Researchers installed camouflaged motion sensor cameras to study the diverse activity taking place high in the arboreal stratum of tree crowns.
2

(of animals) adapted to or living high in trees, rather than on the ground

C2
  • Arboreal snakes like green tree pythons can expertly maneuver through foliage and ascend even the tallest tree trunks to hunt small birds and mammals.
  • Many monkey species live in complex social troops inhabiting the upper forest canopy as arboreal primates.
  • As agile arboreal reptiles, many lizard species in tropical forests exhibit long tails and limbs adapted for grasping to efficiently traverse the layered tangles of branches.
Antonyms:
3

having the form, shape, or branching pattern of a tree

  • The coral had an arboreal structure, spreading like branches.
  • The chandelier's arboreal design made it a striking centerpiece.
  • Certain fungi grow in an arboreal pattern, resembling miniature trees.
  • The sculpture was crafted in an arboreal style.
  • The lightning's arboreal path was etched across the sky.