xerophyte
- noun
- /ˈzɪərəˌfaɪt/
- Specialized
- The cactus is a classic example of a xerophyte, thriving in arid desert regions.
Examples
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Many xerophytes have thick leaves to store water during dry periods.
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Botanists study how xerophytes manage to survive where most plants cannot.
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The xerophyte thrives in arid conditions.
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Cacti are a well-known type of xerophyte.
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The cactus is a classic example of a xerophyte, thriving in arid desert regions.
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Many xerophytes have thick leaves to store water during dry periods.
-
Botanists study how xerophytes manage to survive where most plants cannot.
Synonyms
A plant that can live with very little water, for example a cactus
A plant like a cactus that lives in very dry places and uses little water
A plant that can live with very little water
A plant or living thing that lives where there is very little water
Antonyms
How Drought-Tolerant
Surface Forms
Morphology
xerophyte = xero + phyte
Both elements are Greek combining forms (xero- 'dry', -phyte 'plant') that are not standalone English words, so an average learner cannot derive the meaning from familiar English bases.
Etymology
Xerophyte comes from Greek parts xero- meaning 'dry' and -phyte meaning 'plant'. So a xerophyte is a 'dry plant', a plant that can live where there is very little water, like a cactus.