Ericad

/ˈɛrɪkæd/ noun

Definition

A plant belonging to the Ericaceae family, particularly one adapted to or characteristic of heathland environments.

Etymology

From Erica (heath genus) plus -ad suffix (meaning toward or individual member of), used in ecology to describe plants adapted to specific habitats.

Kelly Says

Ericads dominate European heathlands and moorlands, and historically, these landscapes were created and maintained by humans burning the land periodically—without human management, most heathlands would become forests.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.