Dictionary

¹ruderal

adjective ru·der·al \ˈrü-də-rəl\

Definition of RUDERAL

: growing where the natural vegetational cover has been disturbed by humans <ruderal weeds of old fields and roadsides>

New Latin ruderalis, from Latin ruder-, rudus rubble

First Known Use: circa 1858

noun

: a weedy and commonly introduced plant growing where the vegetational cover has been interrupted

circa 1928

Next Word in the Dictionary: ruderatePrevious Word in the Dictionary: ruderaAll Words Near: ruderal

What made you want to look up ruderal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears