luxuriant definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Translations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

See pronunciation key

Search for "luxuriant" in all of MSN Encarta

E-mail this entry

Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces

Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

luxuriant

lux·u·ri·ant [ lug ree ənt, luk shree ənt ]

adjective

Definition:

1. lush: with a lot of young rich healthy growth

luxuriant ground cover

2. growing profusely: growing thickly and profusely

a luxuriant mane of dark curly hair

3. elaborately written: written in an elaborate, showy, and dramatic style

4. productive: producing vast quantities of something

5. luxurious: of a luxurious rich character

[Mid-16th century. < Latin luxuriant-, present participle of luxuriare (see luxuriate)]

lux·u·ri·ance noun

lux·u·ri·ant·ly adverb

Word Usage


	luxuriant or luxurious? Both these adjectives are related to the noun luxury, but their meanings do not overlap. Luxuriant is used to describe something that grows in rich profusion, for example, hair or vegetation. Luxurious means "very comfortable," as in a luxurious bedroom or a luxurious lifestyle.

Also on Encarta

•	10 tips for building your English vocabulary

•	Alternatives to the M.B.A.

•	GPS for students

•	Saving for college

•	Presidential Myths Quiz

•

Coffee break: Recharge your brain

Our Partners

•	ApplyWise Online College Admissions Counseling

•	The Princeton Review

•

Tutor.com: Live Help When You Get Stuck


MSN Shopping