semiarid

[sem-ee-ar-id, sem-ahy-]

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.

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

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

semi arid in Science

semiarid

[sĕm′ē-ăr′ĭd]

Having low precipitation but able to support grassland and scrubby vegetation. Steppes have semiarid climates.