semiarid

American

[sem-ee-ar-id, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm iˈær ɪd, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

characterized by very little annual rainfall, usually from 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters).

the struggle to raise vegetables in semiarid regions.

semiarid British

/ ˌsɛmɪˈærɪd /

adjective

characterized by scanty rainfall and scrubby vegetation, often occurring in continental interiors

the semiarid regions of Australia

"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

semiarid Scientific

/ sĕm′ē-ăr′ĭd /

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

semiaridity

noun

Etymology

Origin of semiarid

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; semi- + arid

Vocabulary lists containing semiarid

The United States

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023