aridity

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

aridity
    n 1: the quality of yielding nothing of value [syn:
         {fruitlessness}, {aridity}, {barrenness}] [ant:
         {fecundity}, {fruitfulness}]
    2: a deficiency of moisture (especially when resulting from a
       permanent absence of rainfall) [syn: {aridity}, {aridness},
       {thirstiness}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Aridity \A*rid"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Aridities}. [L. ariditas, fr.
   aridus.]
   1. The state or quality of being arid or without moisture;
      dryness.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Fig.: Want of interest of feeling; insensibility; dryness
      of style or feeling; spiritual drought. --Norris.
      [1913 Webster]

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