semiterrestrial

adjective

semi·​ter·​res·​tri·​al ˌse-mē-tə-ˈre-strē-əl How to pronounce semiterrestrial (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-,
-ˈres-chəl,
-ˈresh-
1
: growing on boggy ground
2
: frequenting but not living wholly on land

Examples of semiterrestrial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The researchers found 902 genes in 22 gene families that the two semiterrestrial algae and land plants shared but that other algae lacked. Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 14 Nov. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semiterrestrial was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near semiterrestrial

Cite this Entry

“Semiterrestrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiterrestrial. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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