n. [ Gr. 'epi` upon + fyto`n plant, &unr_; to grow: cf. F. épiphyte. ] 1. (Bot.) An air plant which grows on other plants, but does not derive its nourishment from them. See Air plant. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Med.) A vegetable parasite growing on the surface of the body.
(n) plant that derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain; usually grows on another plant but not parasitic on it, Syn. epiphytic plant, epiphyte, aerophyte