chlorosis

noun

chlo·​ro·​sis klə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce chlorosis (audio)
1
: an iron-deficiency anemia especially of adolescent girls that may impart a greenish tint to the skin

called also greensickness

2
: a diseased condition in green plants marked by yellowing or blanching
chlorotic adjective

Examples of chlorosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Common Problems Attention to soil health also prevents a common problem among camellias: chlorosis. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 The difference is that the chlorosis starts from the tip and progresses along the ribs of the leaf if nitrogen is deficient, but the chlorosis starts from the tip and progresses along the edge of the leaf if potassium is deficient. Dr. Haiying Tao, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2024 Symptoms caused by nutrient deficiencies are generally grouped into five categories: 1) stunted growth; 2) chlorosis or yellowing; 3) leaf spots; 4) purplish-red coloring; and 5) necrosis or death of plant parts. Dr. Haiying Tao, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2024 Nitrogen deficiency symptoms include yellowing of the lower leaves (chlorosis), stunted and slow growth, and death of older leaves in severe cases. Dr. Haiying Tao, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2024 The fictional land of Valisthea is divided into six realms living under the blessing of their Mothercrystals only to see their continents be ripped apart by a mysterious Blight that’s causing rapid chlorosis. Joshua Khan, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2023 For oak wilt, scale infestation, sapsucker and other animal damage, mistletoe invasion, chlorosis, canopy die-back, heavy gall growth, and other serious maladies, apply the Sick Tree Treatment, explained in detail under GUIDES on the home page of dirtdoctor.com. Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 31 May 2021 The routine addition of epsom salts can lead to salt accumulation in the soil, which can lead to leaf tip dieback, marginal leaf chlorosis and necrosis (or burn). Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2021 This yellowing of leaves is sometimes confused with a nutrient deficiency disease called iron chlorosis, especially in the case of azaleas and gardenias. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 27 Jan. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chlorosis was in 1678

Dictionary Entries Near chlorosis

Cite this Entry

“Chlorosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorosis. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

chlorosis

noun
chlo·​ro·​sis klə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce chlorosis (audio)
plural chloroses -ˌsēz How to pronounce chlorosis (audio)
: an iron-deficiency anemia especially of adolescent girls that may impart a greenish tint to the skin

called also greensickness

chlorotic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on chlorosis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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