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Definition of fen

fen

/fɛn/
fen
Plural:fens
•
Adjective:fenny
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fen Lexical Profile

fen Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A low, flat, marshy wetland that is fed by mineral-rich surface water or groundwater, typically having neutral or alkaline peat soil and supporting diverse grasses, sedges, and wildflowers.

Example

"The conservationists worked to restore the ancient fen by blocking the drainage ditches that had dried out the peat."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fen

Word Nuance & Usage

In ecology, a 'fen' is distinguished from a 'bog' by its water source: a fen is fed by mineral-rich groundwater or surface water and has neutral or alkaline soil, whereas a bog is fed solely by precipitation and is highly acidic.

• Rhymes for fen

• Nearby Words

feminize
femme
femur
fen
fence
fence lizard
fenceless

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'fenn', meaning 'mud, dirt, or marsh', descending from Proto-Germanic *fanjan (cognate with Dutch 'veen' and German 'Fenn').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fen
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