Xerophyte Definition

zîrə-fīt
noun
A plant structurally adapted to growing under very dry or desert conditions, often having greatly reduced leaf surfaces for avoiding water loss, thick, fleshy parts for water storage, and hairs, spines, or thorns.
Webster's New World
Reducing leaf surfaces to minimize moisture loss,
YourDictionary
Adding thick plant parts to store large amounts of water.
YourDictionary
Waxy skin prevents water loss.
An example of a xerophyte is a cactus which has eliminated leaves in favor of small spines.
YourDictionary
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
  • xerophytic plant
  • desert plant
  • xerophile
  • xerophilous plant
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Other Word Forms of Xerophyte

Noun

Singular:
xerophyte
Plural:
xerophytes

Origin of Xerophyte

  • xero- + -phyte

    From Wiktionary

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xerophyte
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