PHREATOPHYTE Definition & Meaning

phreatophyte

[free-at-uh-fahyt]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a long-rooted plant that absorbs its water from the water table or the soil above it.

phreatophyte

/ �ڰ�ɪˈæ��ə�ڲ�ɪ�� /

noun

a plant having very long roots that reach down to the water table or the layer above it

phreatophyte

A deep-rooted plant that obtains water from a permanent ground supply or from the water table, such as many tamarisk species. Phreatophytes are often found in arid environments.

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

phreatophytic adjective

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of phreatophyte¹

1915–20; < Greek phreat- ( phreatic ) + -o- + -phyte

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of phreatophyte¹

C20: from Greek phrear a well + _-phyte

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For example, he doesn’t just camp under a big tree, but notes that under its canopy the air is cooler, “a palpable microclimate, as if the trees were generating their own breeze. A sycamore,” he adds, “is a phreatophyte or ‘well plant’ with deep roots to tap into what little water there is far below.”

From

phreatic zone phren-

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