Ombrophilous
/ˌɒm.brəˈfɪl.əs/noun
Thriving in or favoring rainy or very wet conditions.
Did you know?Its second root, Greek phílos, means “loving” or “dear,” the same ancient element found in philosophy, philanthropy, and bibliophile.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄμβρος (ómbros)
“Rain, especially a heavy shower or downpour”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φίλος (phílos)
“Loving, dear, fond of, or friendly”
19th Century
Scientific Greek/Latin
ombrophilus
“Rain-loving; adapted as a technical compound for organisms associated with abundant rainfall”
19th Century
English
ombrophilous
“Favoring or thriving in rainy conditions”
Modern English
English
ombrophilous
“Characterized by a preference for or adaptation to wet, rainy environments”
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