deserts
|de-serts|
B2
🇺🇸
/dɪˈzɜrts/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈzɜːts/
(desert)
abandonment
Etymology
Etymology Information
'desert' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'desertum,' where 'deserere' meant 'to abandon.'
Historical Evolution
'desertum' transformed into the Old French word 'desert,' and eventually became the modern English word 'desert' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to abandon or leave,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'a barren land.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life.
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45