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shelterbelt

shelterbelt

1 6.7
A row of trees or bushes planted to protect fields from wind and soil loss
  • noun
  • /ˈʃɛltərˌbɛlt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cortavientos
  • A well-maintained shelterbelt not only shields the land from wind but also provides habitat for wildlife.

Examples

  • The shelterbelt around the barn helped to reduce soil erosion during the storm.

  • Aerially harassed blackbirds would often take refuge in row crops, shelterbelts, or dense cattail stands until the pursuit ended.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Farmers often plant a shelterbelt of trees to protect their crops from strong winds.

Synonyms

hedge
vsshelterbelt
44 2.0

A row of closely planted bushes that forms a low natural fence

is planted mainly to shelter from wind and prevent soil erosion
windbreak
vsshelterbelt
3 4.1

A row of trees or a fence that protects land from strong wind

is planted only with trees or shrubs rather than including fences

How Protective

forest
970 1.0
shelterbelt
  • Specialized
1 6.7
windbreak
3 4.1
hedgerow
5 5.9

Surface Forms

shelterbelt singular
shelterbelts plural

Morphology

shelterbelt = shelter + belt (transparent) = shelter + belt

Meaning is directly predictable: a 'belt' (strip/zone) composed of 'shelter' (trees/shrubs) that provide protection from wind.

Etymology

Shelterbelt comes from two simple words: shelter ('protection') and belt ('a narrow band'). It means a 'belt' of trees or shrubs planted to protect fields from wind and to stop soil from being blown or washed away.