semiterrestrial

American  

[sem-ee-tuh-res-tree-uhl, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm i təˈrɛs tri əl, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

Biology.

1. living mostly on land but requiring a moist environment or nearby water, especially as a breeding site.

   Most amphibians are semiterrestrial.

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Etymology

Origin of semiterrestrial

First recorded in 1915–20; semi- + terrestrial

Example Sentences

The phenomenon is here considered to be a specialization of scute shedding—developed in terrestrial and semiterrestrial chelonians—that provides additional protection to the shell against wear and minor injuries.

From Natural History of the Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata Agassiz by Legler, John M.

It is noteworthy, however, that similar reduction of the arch has occurred independently in a number of emyid and testudinid groups, nearly all of which have terrestrial or semiterrestrial habits.

From Natural History of the Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata Agassiz by Legler, John M.