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geophyte

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈdʒiːəfaɪt/

KK: /ˈdʒiːəfaɪt/

noun
Definition

A type of plant that grows back each year from underground parts like bulbs or tubers.


Example

Crocuses and tulips are examples of geophytes that bloom in the spring.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that a geophyte can survive even in harsh conditions?
Sloth B
Really? I had no idea! What kind of plants are considered geophytes?
Sloth A
Things like tulips and crocuses are great examples of geophytes.
Sloth B
That’s interesting! I might want to plant some this spring.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bulb
tuber
corm
Antonyms
annual
ephemeral
nonperennial
Root Explanation

Geophyte → It is formed from "geo-" (from Greek "gē", meaning earth or soil) and "phyte" (from Greek "phyton", meaning plant). The word describes a plant that grows from underground parts, such as bulbs or tubers, in the earth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'earth' ('geo-') where these plants grow from 'underground' parts ('phyte'). This helps you remember that a geophyte is a plant that thrives in the soil.

Visually Confused Words
eophyte
neophyte
gametophyte
zygophyte
xerophyte
tenophyte
mesophyte
entophyte
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