riparian

[ ri-pair-ee-uhn, rahy- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated or dwelling on the bank of a river or other body of water:

   riparian villas.

noun

1. Law. a person who owns land on the bank of a natural watercourse or body of water.

riparian

/ raɪˈpɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of, inhabiting, or situated on the bank of a river
2. denoting or relating to the legal rights of the owner of land on a river bank, such as fishing or irrigation

noun

1. property law a person who owns land on a river bank

riparian

/ rĭ-pâr′ē-ən /

1. Relating to or inhabiting the banks of a natural course of water. Riparian zones are ecologically diverse and contribute to the health of other aquatic ecosystems by filtering out pollutants and preventing erosion. Salmon in the Pacific Northwest feed off riparian insects; trees such as the black walnut, the American sycamore, and the cottonwood thrive in riparian environments.

Other Words From

• nonri·pari·an adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of riparian¹

1840–50; < Latin rīpāri ( us ) that frequents riverbanks ( rīp ( a ) bank of a river ¹ + -ārius -ary ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of riparian¹

C19: from Latin rīpārius , from rīpa a river bank

Example Sentences

This oasis, part of the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, is one of the few spots where the Los Angeles River isn’t straitjacketed in concrete, allowing it to flow unencumbered through a thriving riparian forest.

From Los Angeles Times

Loss of riparian habitat due to development, stream channelization and other factors has robbed the mountain frogs of habitat.

From Los Angeles Times

To this day, we’re still spending money to remove that concrete and restore lost riparian ecosystems.

From Los Angeles Times

These rich ecosystems — including spring-fed streams, wetlands, riparian forests and oak woodlands — are vulnerable to declines in groundwater levels.

From Los Angeles Times

The groups said the company’s taking of water has “caused the extirpation of native species and the destruction of riparian habitat — clearcut harm to the public trust.”

From Los Angeles Times