semiarid
[ sem-ee-ar-id, sem-ahy- ]
/ ˌsɛm iˈær ɪd, ˌsɛm aɪ- /
adjective (of a region, land, etc.)
characterized by very little annual rainfall, usually from 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm): the struggle to raise vegetables in semiarid regions.
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Does Bimonthly Mean Twice A Month Or Every Two Months?The prefix bi- usually means ‘every two’, so bimonthly means ‘every two months’.Semi- means ‘half’ or ‘halfway’, so semimonthly means ‘every two weeks’. However, bimonthly can also mean ‘twice a month’ – but it is rarely used that way. It is best to remember that bi- is “every two” and semi- is “halfway.”
Nearby words
Related formssem·i·a·rid·ity [sem-ee-uh-rid-i-tee, sem-ahy-] /ˌsɛm i əˈrɪd ɪ ti, ˌsɛm aɪ-/, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for semi arid
semiarid
/ (ˌsɛmɪˈærɪd) /
adjective
characterized by scanty rainfall and scrubby vegetation, often occurring in continental interiorsthe semiarid regions of Australia
Derived Formssemiaridity, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Science definitions for semi arid
semiarid
[ sĕm′ē-ăr′ĭd ]
Having low precipitation but able to support grassland and scrubby vegetation. Steppes have semiarid climates.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.