Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

semiarid

[sem-ee-ar-id, sem-ahy-]
adjective (of a region, land, etc.)
  1. characterized by very little annual rainfall, usually from 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm): the struggle to raise vegetables in semiarid regions.
Show More

Origin of semiarid

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; semi- + arid
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. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for semi arid

semiarid

adjective
  1. characterized by scanty rainfall and scrubby vegetation, often occurring in continental interiorsthe semiarid regions of Australia
Show More
Derived Formssemiaridity, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
semi arid in Science

semiarid

[sĕm′ē-ăr′ĭd]
  1. Having low precipitation but able to support grassland and scrubby vegetation. Steppes have semiarid climates.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.