depauperate

depauperate
[dɪˈpɔːp(ə)rət]
adjective
  1. (Biology)(of a flora, fauna, or ecosystem) lacking in numbers or variety of species
    (生)(植物区系、动物区系或生态系统)萎缩的,衰弱的
    oceanic islands are generally depauperate in mayflies.
    海洋岛屿一般少见浮游生物。
    ■(of a plant or animal) imperfectly developed
    (植物,动物)发育不全的
语源
  1. late Middle English (in the sense 'impoverished'): from medieval Latin depauperatus, past participle of depauperare, from de- 'completely' + pauperare 'make poor' (from pauper 'poor')
英语宝典
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