The word of the day is xeric, which is an adjective that means characterized by, relating to, or requiring only a small amount of moisture. A botanist who studies xeric plants is someone who focuses on plants that thrive in dry conditions. The term xeric can be used to describe landscapes that are designed to use minimal water, such as those featuring native plants. These types of landscapes can be visually appealing and provide habitat for various species. The word xeric originates from the Greek word xēros, which means dry, and is one of the few English words that starts with the letter X. In the early 20th century, botanists used terms like xerophyte and xerophytic to describe plants that could survive with little water. However, they sought a more general term that could apply to both plants and animals, leading to the proposal of xeric in a 1926 issue of Ecology. The term was not immediately accepted, with some scientists preferring terms like arid or suggesting that xeric should only refer to habitats. Despite initial resistance, xeric became widely used in scientific literature by the 1940s and is now a recognized term in the field. The use of xeric has allowed scientists to describe and study organisms and environments that are adapted to dry conditions in a more concise and accurate manner.