semiterrestrial

[ sem-ee-tuh-res-tree-uhl, sem-ahy- ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. living mostly on land but requiring a moist environment or nearby water, especially as a breeding site:

   Most amphibians are semiterrestrial.

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiterrestrial¹

First recorded in 1915–20; semi- + terrestrial

Example Sentences

The researchers found 902 genes in 22 gene families that the two semiterrestrial algae and land plants shared but that other algae lacked.

From Science Magazine

The phenomenon is here considered to be a specialization of scute shedding—developed in terrestrial and semiterrestrial chelonians—that provides additional protection to the shell against wear and minor injuries.

From Project Gutenberg

It is noteworthy, however, that similar reduction of the arch has occurred independently in a number of emyid and testudinid groups, nearly all of which have terrestrial or semiterrestrial habits.

From Project Gutenberg