halophyte

noun

hal·​o·​phyte ˈha-lə-ˌfīt How to pronounce halophyte (audio)
: a plant (such as saltbush or sea lavender) that grows in salty soil and usually has a physiological resemblance to a true xerophyte
halophytic adjective

Examples of halophyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But sea beans are a type of halophyte, a salt-loving terrestrial plant that can’t grow in pure fresh water. Caroline Hatchett, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2021 Norton has recently turned to cordgrass, another halophyte, to develop a biodegradable fishing bobber. Caroline Hatchett, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'halophyte.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of halophyte was circa 1886

Dictionary Entries Near halophyte

Cite this Entry

“Halophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halophyte. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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