elm yellows

noun

: a usually fatal disease of North American elms (such as the American elm) that is characterized by yellowish, often black-flecked discoloration and degeneration of the phloem and that results in death of the root system followed by wilting, yellowing, and loss of leaves

Note: Elm yellows is caused by a phytoplasma transmitted by a leafhopper (especially Scaphoideus luteolus).

called also phloem necrosis

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elm yellows was in 1985

Dictionary Entries Near elm yellows

Cite this Entry

“Elm yellows.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elm%20yellows. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!