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desertification

 - 3 dictionary results

de⋅sert⋅i⋅fi⋅ca⋅tion

  [di-zur-tuh-fi-key-shuhn]
–noun Ecology.
1. the processes by which an area becomes a desert.
2. the rapid depletion of plant life and the loss of topsoil at desert boundaries and in semiarid regions, usually caused by a combination of drought and the overexploitation of grasses and other vegetation by people.
Use desertification in a Sentence
Also, des⋅ert⋅i⋅za⋅tion  [dez-er-tuh-zey-shuhn] .
Compare aridification.

Origin:
1970–75; desert 1 + -i- + -fication
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To desertification
de·sert·i·fi·ca·tion   (dĭ-zûr'tə-fĭ-kā'shən)   
n.  The transformation of arable or habitable land to desert, as by a change in climate or destructive land use.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
desertification   (dĭ-zûr'tə-fĭ-kā'shən)  Pronunciation Key 
The transformation of land once suitable for agriculture into desert. Desertification can result from climate change or from human practices such as deforestation and overgrazing.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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