xeric

American  

[zeer-ik] / ˈzɪər ɪk /

adjective

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

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xeric British  

/ ˈzɪərɪk /

adjective

1. ecology of, relating to, or growing in dry conditions

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xeric Scientific  

/ zĕr′ĭk,zîr′- /

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

2. Compare hydric mesic

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Other Word Forms

• xerically adverb

Etymology

Origin of xeric

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

Explanation

Habitats so dry that very few plants can grow there are described as xeric. There are several xeric areas in the U.S., including the xeric shrublands near the Grand Canyon. Ecologists sometimes use the terms xeric and arid interchangeably to mean "very dry." You might read about the xeric conditions in the Sahara, or xeric habitats that allow only very short, scrubby bushes to flourish. Plants and animals can also be described as xeric when they're able to survive in a dry environment. The word comes from a Greek root, xeros, "dry."

Example Sentences

For Sean Hogan, owner of Portland’s Cistus Nursery, known for introducing xeric and Mediterranean-climate plants from around the world to the Northwest, said you need to become a weather detective to zone surf.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Stands of rare xeric tallgrass prairie, one of the oldest varieties on earth, swayed in the hot wind.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2018

It flows through wooded areas like parts of Redden State Forest in Delaware and habitats that include ancient, inland forests where there are rare sand ridges called xeric dunes.

From Washington Times • Dec. 20, 2015

This is less than one per cent of the North American avifauna, two per cent of the Kansan avifauna, and ten per cent of the birds of xeric scrub habitats in North America.

From The Breeding Birds of Kansas by Johnston, Richard F.

Both species live under xeric or near-xeric conditions, for the climate of Mesa Verde is semi-arid.

From Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado by Douglas, Charles L.