rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaridVery dry
adjective

arid

AR-id/ˈærɪd/

Extremely dry and lacking moisture.

Only scattered plants grow in the arid landscape.

An arid desert landscape with sparse scrub and sunbaked soil.
Etymology
aridLatindry, parched

Latin aridus describes something dry or parched. The English sense preserves this physical meaning, especially for land or climates where rainfall supplies little moisture.

In context

Love Nature: Predators37:22
Located in the arid heart of the Kalahari Desert in the southwest of Africa, this 22,000 km park
Springbok & Impala: The Unsung Heroes of Africa’s Plains | Wildlife Icons 106

More examples

  • The expedition crossed an arid plateau.
  • The lecture was an arid recitation of dates.
  • Farmers adapted to the region’s arid climate.

Forms

arid · more arid · most arid

aridity noun — extreme dryness

Similar words

dry
Dry covers any lack of moisture; arid commonly describes land or climate with little rainfall.
parched
Parched suggests extreme dryness, often from heat or thirst; arid describes a dry condition or climate.