depauperate

[ dih-paw-per-it ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. poorly or imperfectly developed.

Other Words From

• de·pau·per·a·tion [dih-paw-p, uh, -, rey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of depauperate¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin dēpauperātus (past participle of dēpauperāre to make poor), equivalent to dē- de- + pauper ( āre ) to make poor ( pauper- poor ( pauper ) + -ātus -ate ¹ )

Example Sentences

The muralis gopher is a depauperate form clearly belonging to the bottae group.

From Project Gutenberg

It looks like a depauperate L. epidendrum, but seems to be constantly collected.

From Project Gutenberg

Annuals may be very depauperate in dry soils or seasons, or very large when particularly well nourished.

From Project Gutenberg

The species was probably first named from poor or depauperate specimens.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably a depauperate form of Ophióglossum vulgàtum and about half as large.

From Project Gutenberg