xerophilous

[ zi-rof-uh-luhs ]

adjective

1. Botany. growing in or adapted to dry, especially dry and hot, regions.
2. Zoology. living or flourishing in a dry environment.

xerophilous

/ ˈzɪərəʊˌfaɪl; zɪˈrɒfɪləs /

adjective

1. (of plants or animals) adapted for growing or living in dry surroundings

Derived Forms

• xerophile, noun
• xeˈrophily, noun

Other Words From

• xe·rophi·ly noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of xerophilous¹

First recorded in 1860–65; xero- + -philous

Example Sentences

There is no cultivation on the plain, which is to a large extent covered with long sarpat grass and other xerophilous plants.

From Project Gutenberg