Natrals

Natrals is a term with limited attestation in published sources. In online communities and speculative fiction, natrals is used to denote a loosely defined concept with several possible meanings, but there is no single, universally accepted definition.

Definition and scope: In informal uses, natrals often refers to naturally occurring patterns, materials, or landscapes that remain largely unmodified by humans, preserving ecological character. In other contexts, it can denote imagined phenomena that arise at the boundary between nature and technology, or artifacts produced by non-human processes.

Origin and etymology: The word appears as a phonetic variation of natural or as a coined term combining natural with a plural suffix. There is no established etymology.

Usage and examples: In environmental design discussions, natrals may describe spaces that prioritize native biodiversity and hands-off management. In fiction, authors may treat natrals as magical or quasi-scientific forces, or as sentient ecosystems. In jargon, it can also appear as a misspelling or stylistic variant of naturals or natural resources.

Reception and status: Because of inconsistent usage, the term can cause ambiguity. When precision is required, writers typically substitute established terms such as natural resources, natural landscapes, ecological systems, or the specific concept being described.

See also: Naturals, Natural resources, Ecological restoration, Speculative fiction tropes.