ETYM Latin ariditas, from aridus.
A permanent absence of rainfall; SYN. aridness.

ETYM Old Eng. droght, drougth, druyeth;, AS. drugaeth;, from drugian to dry. Related to Dry, Drouth, which shows the original final sound.
1. A prolonged shortage.
2. A temporary shortage of rainfall.

The condition of not containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water); SYN. waterlessness.