— epiphytic /ep'euh fit"ik/ , epiphytical , adj. — epiphytically , adv.
/ep"euh fuyt'/ , n. Bot.
a plant that grows above the ground, supported nonparasitically by another plant or object, and deriving its nutrients and water from rain, the air, dust, etc.; air plant; aerophyte.
[ 1840-50; EPI- + -PHYTE ]