aerophyte
- noun
- /ˈɛrəˌfaɪt/
- Specialized
:
aerófito
- The orchid is a classic example of an aerophyte, obtaining nutrients from the moist air.
Examples
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Many rainforest plants are aerophytes, relying solely on rainfall and humidity.
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Because it is an aerophyte, this fern does not need soil to survive.
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The aerophyte thrives in humid environments.
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Many aerophytes can be found in tropical rainforests.
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Many rainforest plants are aerophytes, relying solely on rainfall and humidity.
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The orchid is a classic example of an aerophyte, obtaining nutrients from the moist air.
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Because it is an aerophyte, this fern does not need soil to survive.
Synonyms
4
9.9
A plant that grows on another plant without harming it and gets water from air and rain
A plant that lives on another plant without hurting it and gets water from air and rain
A plant that needs no soil, takes water and food from air and rain, lives on other plants without harm
Surface Forms
Morphology
aerophyte = aero + phyte (semi-transparent) = aero + phyte
Formed from scientific combining forms 'aero-' (air) and '-phyte' (plant); the components are inferable to learners familiar with scientific prefixes/suffixes but are not common standalone words for average B1 learners.
Etymology
Aerophyte comes from the parts aero- meaning 'air' and -phyte meaning 'plant', the same aero you see in aeroplane. So an aerophyte is like an 'air plant' that gets water and nutrients from the air and rain instead of from soil.