noun-modifying (irregular)
Used for land or soil that is poor and unable to support much plant life. Less common than the 'thin' sense.
See also: 痩せる
He had a gaunt face from illness.
Crops are hard to grow on barren land.
Prenominal form of the verb 痩せる (yaseru), which is of native Japanese origin. The kanji 痩 is used for its meaning of 'thin' or 'emaciated'.