Word Study
epiphyte
CIDE DICTIONARY
epiphyte, n. [Gr. 'epi` upon + fyto`n plant, to grow: cf. F. épiphyte.].
- An air plant which grows on other plants, but does not derive its nourishment from them. See Air plant. [1913 Webster]
- A vegetable parasite growing on the surface of the body.
OXFORD DICTIONARY
epiphyte, n. a plant growing but not parasitic on another, e.g. a moss.
Derivative
epiphytal adj. epiphytic adj.
Etymology
EPI- + Gk phuton plant
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