Definition: A type of small beetle that belongs to a family known for damaging organic materials like meat, wool, and animal products.

Example: The museum had to take special precautions to protect its artifacts from dermestids, which can eat through leather and fur.

Definition: A type of plant that is a woody vine or shrub, known for its roots that can be used to make an insecticide called rotenone.

Example: Farmers often use derris as a natural insecticide to protect their crops.

Definition: The act of going down or lowering, often used to describe a movement from a higher to a lower position.

Example: The descension of the hot air balloon was slow and graceful.

Definition: A movement downwards, either physically or in terms of status or level.

Example: The hikers carefully made their descent down the steep mountain.

Definition: A sighting or discovery made from a distance, often used to describe the act of seeing something that is not immediately visible.

Example: The sailor was able to descry land on the horizon after many days at sea.

Definition: To see or find something that is hard to notice or detect, often after careful observation.

Example: From the top of the hill, we could descry the distant village.

Definition: A word used to describe a place that is dry, empty, and often has little or no vegetation, like a barren area or a desolate region.

Example: The desert landscape was vast and lifeless, with only a few cacti scattered around.

Definition: A dry and empty area with very little rain and few plants, often covered in sand.

Example: The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.

Definition: To leave someone or something behind, especially when it is your duty to stay or take care of them.

Example: He decided to desert his post during the battle, which was against the rules.

Definition: Relating to a desert or having characteristics typical of a desert.

Example: The desertic landscape was dry and barren, with few plants and animals.

Definition: The process where fertile land becomes desert due to factors like climate change or poor land management.

Example: Desertification is a serious problem that affects many regions around the world.

Definition: Having characteristics or qualities similar to a desert, such as dryness or barrenness.

Example: The landscape was desertlike, with vast stretches of sand and little vegetation.

Definition: Lacking energy or vitality; dry and lifeless.

Example: The desiccate landscape seemed to drain all hope from the travelers.

Definition: To become dry or lose moisture.

Example: The flowers began to desiccate in the hot sun.

Definition: To remove moisture from something, making it completely dry.

Example: The sun can desiccate the soil if there is no rain for a long time.