ˈzirəˌfīt noun
( -s )
Etymology: xer- + -phyte
: a plant structurally adapted for life and growth with a limited water supply especially by means of mechanisms (as epidermal thickening, waxy or resinous coats, or dense pubescence) that limit transpiration or that provide for the storage of water — used both of desert plants and of those occupying environments (as salt marshes or acid bogs) where water absorption is impeded by excess salts or acids in solution; compare hydrophyte , mesophyte