before vowels, xer-, word-forming element meaning "dry," from Greek xero-, combining form of xeros "dry, withered" (see xerasia).
Entries linking to xero-
xerasia n.
"excessive dryness of hair," 1706, medical Latin, from Greek xerasia "dryness," from xeros "dry, withered," from PIE root *ksero- "dry" (source also of Latin serenus "clear, unclouded," serescere "become dry;" Greek xeron "dry land;" Old High German serawen, German serben "to dry out").
xeric adj.
"having little moisture, very dry," 1926; see xero- + -ic.