semiarid

[ sem-ee-ar-id, sem-ahy- ]
/ ˌsɛm iˈær ɪd, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective (of a region, land, etc.)

characterized by very little annual rainfall, usually from 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm): the struggle to raise vegetables in semiarid regions.

Origin of semiarid

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; semi- + arid

OTHER WORDS FROM semiarid

sem·i·a·rid·ity [sem-ee-uh-rid-i-tee, sem-ahy-] /ˌsɛm i əˈrɪd ɪ ti, ˌsɛm aɪ-/, noun

Words nearby semiarid

semi-open anesthesia, semiamateur, semiannual, semiaquatic, semiarch, semiarid, semiattached, semiautobiographical, semiautomated, semiautomatic, semiautonomous

British Dictionary definitions for semi arid

semiarid
/ (ˌsɛmɪˈærɪd) /

adjective

characterized by scanty rainfall and scrubby vegetation, often occurring in continental interiors the semiarid regions of Australia

Derived forms of semiarid

semiaridity, noun

Scientific definitions for semi arid

semiarid
[ sĕm′ē-ăr′ĭd ]

Having low precipitation but able to support grassland and scrubby vegetation. Steppes have semiarid climates.