pel-, pelo- +

A sediment or sedimentary rock composed of fine fragments, such as clay or mud: A pelite can be an argillaceous rock like shale which has bene created by successive layers of clay.

In biology, an organism (plant and/or animal) that dwells and thrives in mudbanks: Some vegetation, like the trifid bur marigolds that live in communities, can be considered to be pelochthophiles that grow well in such moist muddy conditions.

Regarding the existence of an organism in mudbanks: Only a few pelochthophilous plants can develop when there is little rain, the rivers are low, and the mudbanks are dry.

The occurrence of an organism thriving in a mudbank: When finding some information about pelochthophily, Joe learned that there were many forms of life, like the crowngrass, a plant in the family Poaceae, that preferred growing in mudbanks.

A mudbank plant: Jane wanted to find some pelochthophytes growing in the mud that was partly submerged next the side of the river.

To live or thrive in habitats that are rich in clay: Some examples of plants that pelocole or grow in areas with clay are roses, asters, and cornflowers, just to name a few.

In phytogeography, concerning a fine-grained, earthy or claylike consistence, typical of soils: In his book, Sam read that some plants needed pelogenous dirt to thrive successfully.

A therapeutic mud preparation: In the spa where Judy was, peloids were used in the mud packs or mud baths that she enjoyed.

The study of mud and its therapeutic applications: Mark not only learned about mud and its components in penology, but also wanted to examine the possibilities of its beneficial relevance in treatments.

Someone who is skilled in the therapeutic uses of mud: Mike's father was a pelopathist and worked in a spa where patients were treated with mudpack for those who wanted to improve their complexion.

The therapeutic use of earth to cure a disease; pelotherapy: Dr. Clean suggested that Stella get an appointment for a couple of sessions of pelopathy, consisting of the application of peloids, such as mud, peat moss, or clay, to all or part of her body.

A plant or animal thriving in habitats rich in clay: There are some vegetables that are pelophiles, like lettuce and chard, that grow well in clay soil because moisture can be retained easily in it.

Regarding vegetation that can grow in mud or clay: Some pelophilous plants, like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, thrive better in soil rich in clay than in other soils.

In biology, the condition of life forms thriving in muddy habitats or ones rich in clay: Susan had a garden with soil that had a lot of clay in it, and, when she didn't know what to plant in it, she asked her father, who gave her a book on pelophily that had all the answers!

A horror of being personally dirty or objects being filthy: Daniel was overly conscious of taking a shower every day and being very clean and tidy, and his friends joked about him having pelophobia!

Mrs. Hathaway, affected by pelophobia, always had her sports car vacuumed and washed every other day because she never wanted to have any dust or even mud visible on it!