Language of origin:

The first part of this word is from a word probably of non–Indo-European origin that went through French before becoming English, and the second part is an English combining form.

Part of speech:

noun

Definition:

the quality or state of being deficient in producing vegetation.

Sentence:

Few creatures can live in the _____ of the desert.

Note:

Please pay careful attention to the definition and part of speech. This word has a homonym or could be confused with a word that has a similar pronunciation.