semi-aquatic
[/ˌsɛmi əˈkwætɪk/]
adjective
semiaquático
1. Living or spending significant time both in water and on land
The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal that hunts for food underwater.
O ornitorrinco é um mamífero semiaquático que caça alimento debaixo da água.
2. Relating to organisms or habitats that are partially dependent on aquatic environments
Semi-aquatic plants grow in wetlands and marshes.
As plantas semiaquáticas crescem em pântanos e áreas alagadas.
3. Designed for or adapted to use in both water and land environments
The semi-aquatic vehicle can navigate both rivers and terrain.
O veículo semiaquático pode navegar tanto em rios quanto em terreno.
The term is primarily used in scientific, biological, and ecological contexts in both Brazilian and American English. In Brazil, it's commonly used in educational materials about the Amazon rainforest and its fauna, such as discussing capybaras, caimans, and river dolphins. The concept is important for understanding biodiversity in tropical wetlands.
Related Idioms & Phrases
life between two worlds - describing semi-aquatic existence
neither fish nor fowl - metaphorical reference to amphibious/semi-aquatic nature
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