epiphyte

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun plant that derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain; usually grows on another plant but not parasitic on it

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἐπιφύτον (epiphúton, “one [plant] that grows upon another plant”), from ἐπί (epí, “on top of”) + φυτόν (phutón, “plant”), via epi- (“above, over”) + -phyte (“plant”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

air plant, aerophyte, epiphytic plant

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