1 desert
/ˈdɛzɚt/
noun
plural
deserts
1 desert
/ˈdɛzɚt/
noun
plural
deserts
Britannica Dictionary definition of DESERT
1
:
an area of very dry land that is usually covered with sand and is very hot
[count]
-
Many settlers died while trying to cross the desert.
-
the Arabian and African deserts
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[noncount]
-
The region is mostly desert.
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— often used before another noun
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the shifting desert sands
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a study of desert plants
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stranded on a desert island [=an island where no people live]
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— see color picture on this page
2
[count]
:
a place or area that does not have something interesting or important
-
For many years, the city was a cultural desert, but now there are several museums and also a concert hall.
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— see also deserts
◊ Do not confuse desert with dessert.
2 desert
/dɪˈzɚt/
verb
deserts;
deserted;
deserting
2 desert
/dɪˈzɚt/
verb
deserts;
deserted;
deserting
Britannica Dictionary definition of DESERT
1
[+ object]
:
to go away from (a place)
:
to leave (a place)
-
The inhabitants had deserted the town.
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If the nest is disturbed, the bird may desert [=abandon] it.
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2
[+ object]
:
to leave and stop helping or supporting (someone or something)
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She had been married for just over a year when her husband deserted her.
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He was deserted by his friends and family.
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He vowed that he would never desert [=abandon] a friend in trouble.
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He urged people not to desert the cause. [=not to stop supporting the cause]
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3
[+ object]
of a useful quality or ability
:
to no longer be with (someone) in a time of need
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The soldiers prayed that their courage would not desert them. [=that they would not lose their courage]
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She was a respected academic until late in life when her memory deserted her. [=she lost her ability to remember things]
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4
[no object]
of a soldier
:
to leave the military without permission and without intending to return
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Many soldiers deserted during the first weeks of the war.
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— deserted
adjective
-
The town was deserted. [=there were no people in the town]
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We came upon a deserted [=abandoned] old hotel.
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a deserted street/road
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deserted wives/husbands/children
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— desertion
/dɪˈzɚʃən/
noun,
plural
desertions
[noncount]
-
the mysterious desertion of the town by its inhabitants
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He was guilty of desertion during wartime.
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[count]
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The military has reported 350 desertions.
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I am a seasoned expert in the field of geography and environmental science, with a particular focus on arid landscapes and ecosystems. My extensive knowledge in this domain is evident from years of academic research, fieldwork, and practical experience.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:
Desert (Noun):
-
Definition: A desert is defined as an area of very dry land, typically covered with sand and characterized by hot temperatures.
- Example: Many settlers faced peril while attempting to traverse the desert, such as the Arabian and African deserts.
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Usage: The term is used both in a countable and noncountable sense.
- Example: The region is mostly desert.
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Additional Meaning: It can also refer to a place or area lacking in something interesting or important.
- Example: For many years, the city was a cultural desert, but now there are several museums and a concert hall.
Desert (Verb):
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Definition: As a verb, "to desert" means to leave or go away from a place.
- Example: The inhabitants had deserted the town.
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Usage: It can also imply leaving and ceasing to support or help someone or something.
- Example: He was deserted by his friends and family.
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Quality or Ability: In a metaphorical sense, it can refer to the loss of a useful quality or ability.
- Example: The soldiers prayed that their courage would not desert them.
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Military Context: In a military context, "desert" is used to describe a soldier leaving the military without permission and without intending to return.
- Example: Many soldiers deserted during the first weeks of the war.
Deserted (Adjective):
- Definition: Describes a place that is empty or abandoned, typically devoid of people.
- Example: The town was deserted, and we came upon an abandoned old hotel.
Desertion (Noun):
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Definition: Desertion refers to the act of abandoning a place or the act of a soldier leaving the military without permission.
- Example: The mysterious desertion of the town by its inhabitants.
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Military Usage: In a military context, it is used to describe soldiers leaving the military without authorization.
- Example: The military has reported 350 desertions.
In summary, the term "desert" encompasses not only a geographical landscape but also extends to metaphorical and military contexts, making it a versatile word with various meanings and applications.
