xeric

[ zeer-ik ]

adjective

of, relating to, or adapted to a dry environment.

Origin of xeric

First recorded in 1925–30; from Greek xēr(ós) “dry” + -ic (def. 3)

Other words from xeric

xe·ri·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby xeric

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use xeric in a sentence

These are woodland, grassland, limnic, and xeric scrub plant formations.
The Breeding Birds of Kansas | Richard F. Johnston
Both species live under xeric or near-xeric conditions, for the climate of Mesa Verde is semi-arid.
Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado | Charles L. Douglas
On the Gulf lowlands its distribution seems to be limited to xeric coastal habitats.
A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico | William E. Duellman
Trees, and other vegetation in general, are somewhat more xeric in aspect than are those in Skink Woods.
Life History and Ecology of the Five-lined Skink, Eumeces fasciatus | Henry S. Fitch
xeric conditions surrounding some of the higher mountains are barriers to movement of some species.
Birds from Coahuila, Mexico | Emil K. Urban

British Dictionary definitions for xeric

xeric

/ (ˈzɪərɪk) /

adjective

ecology of, relating to, or growing in dry conditions

Derived forms of xeric

xerically, adverb

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

Scientific definitions for xeric

xeric

[ zĕr′ĭk, zîr′- ]

Relating or adapted to an extremely dry habitat. Succulents such as cacti, aloes, and agaves are xeric plants. Compare hydric mesic.

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