xerophyte

noun

xe·​ro·​phyte ˈzir-ə-ˌfīt How to pronounce xerophyte (audio)
: a plant adapted for life and growth with a limited water supply
xerophytic adjective

Examples of xerophyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cotton is a xerophyte (a drought-tolerant plant adapted to survive in drier and more arid climates). Brooke Roberts-Islam, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'xerophyte.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of xerophyte was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near xerophyte

Cite this Entry

“Xerophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xerophyte. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

xerophyte

noun
xe·​ro·​phyte ˈzir-ə-ˌfīt How to pronounce xerophyte (audio)
: a plant (as an agave, cactus, sagebrush, or yucca) suited for growth in dry or desert conditions
xerophytic adjective

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