semi-arid

adjective (of a region, land, etc.)

1. characterized by very little annual rainfall, usually from 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm): the struggle to raise vegetables in semiarid regions.

adjective

1. characterized by scanty rainfall and scrubby vegetation, often occurring in continental interiorsthe semiarid regions of Australia

adj.also semiarid, 1886, from semi- + arid.

1. Having low precipitation but able to support grassland and scrubby vegetation. Steppes have semiarid climates.