semiterrestrial

[sem-ee-tuh-res-tree-uhl, sem-ahy-]

adjective

Biology.

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

   Most amphibians are semiterrestrial.

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiterrestrial¹

First recorded in 1915–20; semi- + terrestrial

Example Sentences

The researchers found 902 genes in 22 gene families that the two semiterrestrial algae and land plants shared but that other algae lacked.

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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.

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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.

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