saxicolous
- adjective
- /sækˈsɪkələs/
- Specialized
:
saxicolosa
- The saxicolous lichens formed colorful patches across the exposed granite.
Examples
-
Several saxicolous plants thrive in the rocky outcrops of the region.
-
Biologists discovered a saxicolous species of snail during their expedition.
-
The saxicolous plants thrive in rocky environments.
-
Many saxicolous species can be found in the mountains.
-
Several saxicolous plants thrive in the rocky outcrops of the region.
-
The saxicolous lichens formed colorful patches across the exposed granite.
-
Many saxicolous species can be found in the mountains.
Synonyms
Living on or among rocks, for example on cliffs
Growing on or living among rocks
Living on rocks, like ferns or lichens
Plants that grow on rocks, for example moss or orchids
Growing on the surface of rock or stone
A plant that grows well among rocks
Compounds
Surface Forms
Morphology
saxicolous = saxicol + ous
The word is built from Latin combining elements (sax- 'rock' + -colous 'dwelling') that are not productive or recognizable to an average B1 learner, so the meaning cannot be reliably derived from common English base words.
Etymology
Saxicolous comes from the Latin saxum meaning 'rock' and the part -colous meaning 'living in', just like in colony. So saxicolous describes a plant or animal that 'lives on' or 'grows on' rocks.
