DEPAUPERATE Meaning and
Definition
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Depauperate is an adjective that is used to describe something that is depleted or lacking in quantity, quality, or vitality. When used to describe a biological population or community, it refers to a state of being unusually impoverished, with fewer individuals or fewer species compared to what would be considered normal or typical.
In ecological terms, depauperate is often used to describe an ecosystem that has undergone severe degradation, leading to a loss of diversity and abundance of species. This may be due to factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, or overexploitation. When an ecosystem becomes depauperate, it can have cascading effects on the functioning and integrity of the entire ecological system.
The term can also be employed to describe the condition of an individual organism that is stunted or underdeveloped. For example, a depauperate plant may exhibit reduced growth and vigor due to poor soil conditions or lack of access to essential resources like sunlight or water.
In more general usage, depauperate can describe anything that is diminished, lessened, or lacking compared to what is considered normal or expected. It carries connotations of a state of impoverishment or depletion. It can be used to describe anything from a depauperate financial account to a depauperate collection of artwork.
Overall, depauperate conveys the idea of scarcity, impoverishment, or inferior quality in relation to something that should be more abundant, diverse, or robust.
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To impoverish; to make poor.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DEPAUPERATE
- sepauperate
- xepauperate
- cepauperate
- fepauperate
- repauperate
- eepauperate
- dwpauperate
- dspauperate
- ddpauperate
- drpauperate
- d4pauperate
- d3pauperate
- deoauperate
- delauperate
- de-auperate
- de0auperate
- depzuperate
- depsuperate
- depwuperate
Etymology of DEPAUPERATE
The word "depauperate" is derived from the Latin word "pauper", meaning "poor" or "deprived". The prefix "de-" in Latin signifies negation or reversal. Hence, "depauperate" means to make poor or deprived, to reduce in number or quality, particularly in reference to the diminished presence or diversity of plant and animal species within an ecosystem.
Similar spelling words for DEPAUPERATE
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