desert

I

des•ert

[[t]ˈdɛz ərt[/t]] n.

1) ecl an arid, sandy region capable of supporting only a few, usu. specialized, life forms

2) ecl any area in which few forms of life can exist because of lack of water or absence of soil

3) any place lacking in something desirable:

The town was a cultural desert[/ex]

4) of, pertaining to, or like a desert; desolate; barren:

a desert island[/ex]

5) occurring or living in the desert:

a desert palm[/ex]

6) cvb designed or suitable for use in the desert

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Etymology: 1175–1225; < LL dēsertum der. of dēserere to abandon, forsake =dē- de-+serere to join together (in a line); cf. series de•ser•tic dɪˈzɜr tɪk adj. II

de•sert

[[t]dɪˈzɜrt[/t]] v. t.

1) to leave (a person, place, etc.) without intending to return:

He deserted his wife[/ex]

2) mil to run away from (military service) without leave

3) to fail (someone) at a time of need:

None of his friends had deserted him[/ex]

4) to forsake or leave one's duty, obligations, etc

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Etymology: 1470–80; < MF déserter < LL dēsertāre, freq. of L dēserere; see desert I de•sert′er, n. III

de•sert

[[t]dɪˈzɜrt[/t]] n.

1) Often, deserts. reward or punishment that is deserved:

to get one's just deserts[/ex]

2) the state or fact of deserving reward or punishment

3) the fact of deserving well; merit; virtue

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Etymology: 1275–1325; < OF deserte, der. of deservir to deserve