xer-, xero-, xir-

(Greek: dry)

xerohylophyte
A dry-forest plant.
xerolith
1. Another term for the process of printing a lithograph on a hard, flat surface. Originally the printing surface was a flat piece of stone that was etched with acid to form a surface that would selectively transfer ink to the paper; the stone has now been replaced, in general, with a metal plate.
2. A printing process in which the image to be printed is rendered on a flat surface, as on sheet zinc or aluminum, and treated to retain ink while the nonimage areas are treated to repel ink.
xeroma
Pathological dryness and keratinization (development of a horny layer) of the conjunctiva which is the clear membrane that coats the inner parts of the eyelids and the outer surface of the eye.
xeromammogram
A xeroradiographic (a rapid method of recording a roentgen image with a dry process) depiction of the breast.
xeromammography
Xeroradiography of the breast.
xeromenia
1. A condition in which the flow of menstrual blood is absent although the other symptoms of menstruation occur.
2. The presence of the usual physical disturbances of the menstrual period but without the menstrual flow of blood.
xeromorph, xeromorphy, xeromorphism
Plant forms that are adapted to an arid environment.
xeromorphic
1. A reference to plants that have structural or functional adaptations to prevent water loss by evaporation.
2. Structurally adapted for survival under arid contitions.
xeromycteria
1. Lack of moisture in the nasal passages.
2. Extreme dryness of the nasal mucous membrane.
xeromyron
A dry or stiff ointment.
xeronosus
An abnormal dryness of the skin.
xerophagy
The habitual eating of dry or desiccated (thoroughly dried out) food.
xerophile
1. Organisms (plants and animals) that are well adapted to or which are adapted to live in a dry climate.
2. A reference to a plant that is able to grow in very dry conditions because it has adapted to restricting water loss by shedding leaves at the beginning of the dry season or by growing waxy leaves or dense hairs.
xerophilous (adjective)
A reference to plants and animals that thrive in or are adapted to dry habitats, low water situations, and even have a preference for such conditions.
xerophily
Flourishing in or adapted to a dry hot environment.

Cross reference of another word family related to: "dry": arid-.