What does arid mean Meaning and Definition
What does arid mean
Pronunciation
/ˈærɪd/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Extremely dry; having very little rain, or having a lack of moisture.
Examples
- The desert was an arid landscape with very little vegetation.
- The farmer struggled to irrigate the arid land to grow crops.
Synonyms
- Dry
- Desert-like
Antonyms
- Moist
- Humid
Additional Information
Arid regions often have unique ecosystems that have adapted to the dry conditions. Plants and animals in these areas have specialized features to conserve water and survive in the harsh environment. In agriculture, irrigation is often used to overcome the challenges of arid land.
Arid conditions can also have significant impacts on human settlements, leading to issues with water supply and food production. In some cases, arid regions can be prone to dust storms and other environmental hazards.
Etymology
The word “arid” comes from the Latin word “arere,” meaning “to be dry” or “to dry up.”
Usage Notes
The term “arid” is often used to describe both physical environments and abstract concepts, such as an “arid intellectual climate.”
Cultural References
The idea of an arid wasteland has been a common theme in literature and art, symbolizing desolation and isolation.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Arid imagination: lacking creativity or inspiration
- Arid intellect: lacking intellectual curiosity or stimulation
Related Words or Phrases
- Desertification
- Drought
Collocations
- arid landscape
- arid climate
Frequency of Use
The word “arid” is moderately common in everyday language, often used in discussions about environment, climate, and ecology.
Common Misspellings
- arrid
- ared