wil·der·ness
(w
l
d
r-n
s)
KEY
NOUN:
- An unsettled, uncultivated region left in its natural condition, especially:
- A large wild tract of land covered with dense vegetation or forests.
- An extensive area, such as a desert or ocean, that is barren or empty; a waste.
- A piece of land set aside to grow wild.
- Something characterized by bewildering vastness, perilousness, or unchecked profusion:
the wilderness of the city; the wilderness of counterespionage; a wilderness of voices.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English *
wildd
ornes, probably from
wilddor,
wild beast :
wilde,
wild +
dor,
wild animal
