"Xerophthalmy" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
A rare or obsolete medical term.
Xerophthalmia refers to a severe dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, often caused by a lack of vitamin A.
The greenhouse's unique design aimed to combat xerophthalmy by simulating a more humid environment for the plants, which thrived in the dry conditions.
The paleontologist discovered the fossilized remains of a plant that was likely adapted to growing in an area with severe xerophthalmy.
The plants on the north side of the building received less sunlight, highlighting the risks of appearing to have xerophthalmy in an otherwise well-watered garden.
Due to the severe xerophthalmy conditions, the expedition team decided to focus their search for rare specimens in areas with higher humidity.
The residents of the arid region learned to cultivate crops that were resistant to xerophthalmy in order to ensure a stable food supply.
Xeromorphy refers to the characteristic plant growth patterns and adaptations that enable plants to survive in xeric environments, which are areas with low rainfall and low water availability. These adaptations include thick cuticles, succulent stems and leaves, shallow roots, and waxy or hairy surfaces that help to conserve water.