(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
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ Aëro- + Gr. fyto`n plant, fy`ein to grow: cf. F. aérophyte. ] (Bot.) A plant growing entirely in the air, and receiving its nourishment from it; an air plant or epiphyte. [ 1913 Webster ]