[ri-pair-ee-uh
n, rahy-] 
| 1. | of, pertaining to, or situated or dwelling on the bank of a river or other body of water: riparian villas. |
| 2. | Law. a person who owns land on the bank of a natural watercourse or body of water. |
| ri·par·i·an (rĭ-pâr'ē-ən) adj. Of, on, or relating to the banks of a natural course of water. [From Latin rīpārius, from rīpa, bank.] |
| Main Entry: | riparian |
| Part of Speech: | adj |
| Definition: | pertaining to the banks of a river or stream |
| Etymology: | Latin ripa 'bank, shore' |
| riparian (rĭ-pâr'ē-ən) Pronunciation Key
Relating to or inhabiting the banks of a natural course of water. Riparian zones are ecologically diverse and contribute to the health of other aquatic ecosystems by filtering out pollutants and preventing erosion. Salmon in the Pacific Northwest feed off riparian insects; trees such as the black walnut, the American sycamore, and the cottonwood thrive in riparian environments. |