Definition
A plant that has adapted to survive in dry or arid climates by developing special features like thick waxy leaves, deep roots, or water-storing tissues. Examples include cacti, succulents, and desert shrubs that require minimal water to thrive.
Example Usage
The botanist studied how xerophytes in the Sahara have evolved to conserve every drop of water.
Origin
From Greek xeros (dry) + phyton (plant), coined in the late 19th century by botanists studying plant adaptation.
Fun Fact
Cacti can live for decades without water, and some desert plants have roots that extend 80 feet deep to reach underground water sources.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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