mesophyte

[ mez-uh-fahyt, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh- ]

noun

1. a plant growing under conditions of well-balanced moisture supply.

mesophyte

/ ˈmɛsəʊˌfaɪt; ˌmɛsəʊˈfɪtɪk /

noun

1. any plant that grows in surroundings receiving an average supply of water

mesophyte

/ mĕz′ə-fīt′ /

1. A plant that grows in an environment having a moderate supply of water. Mesophytes tend to have root systems and vascular tissues that are well-developed, and many species can grow to great heights as a result. Most crop plants, grasses, and broad-leaved bushes and trees growing in temperate climates are mesophytes.
2. Compare hydrophyte

Derived Forms

• mesophytic, adjective

Other Words From

• mes·o·phyt·ic [mez-, uh, -, fit, -ik, mes-, mee-z, uh, -, -s, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesophyte¹

First recorded in 1885–90; meso- + -phyte