Which word best describes the typical climate of a desert?

Concept

A descriptive word should match the property named in the question. Climate concerns long-term weather conditions such as rainfall and moisture, whereas a plant, a local land feature, or the shape of land belongs to a different category.

Application

Deserts characteristically receive very little precipitation. “Arid” is an adjective meaning very dry or having little rain, so it directly describes the typical climate of a desert.

Contrast

• “Cactus” names a plant that may grow in some deserts; it does not name a climate condition.

• “Oasis” names a localized place with water and vegetation within a dry region; it does not describe the region’s overall climate.

• “Flat” describes relief or shape, and deserts may instead have dunes, plateaus, or mountains.

Result

The word that best describes the typical climate of a desert is “arid.”