1. the layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest
Usage: ecology; forestry

Examples

• The dense understories made it difficult to walk through the forest.
• Many bird species nest in the understories of tropical rainforests.
• The understories receive less sunlight than the forest canopy above.
• Researchers studied the plant diversity in the understories of old-growth forests.
• Ferns and small shrubs dominate the understories in this woodland area.
• The understories provide habitat for numerous small mammals and insects.