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

Lush riparian vegetation would absorb planet-heating carbon dioxide and also provide natural cooling, helping L.A. adapt to climate change.

From Los Angeles Times

The bench sits next to wetlands in the riparian forest, where cottonwoods and willows tower over sage bushes and wild roses.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a beautiful mix of pine and oak forest. Wonderful riparian areas too, though there isn’t a lot of surface water. It’s big so it’s a good bet. I was just up a couple weeks ago. The ceanothus blooms were stunning. The monkey flower, deerweed, penstemon and lupines were out in force too. Wildflower blooms last longer and start later the higher you go up in elevation. So quiet at certain times of the day. It’s an entirely different world than down in the valley.”

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