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 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 The symptoms of iron chlorosis appear because a plant is not getting enough iron, an essential element for plants. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 27 Jan. 2021 Iron chlorosis is not uncommon in the New Orleans area south of Lake Pontchartrain. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 27 Jan. 2021 Iron chlorosis causes the new growth at the ends of the branches to turn pale green or yellow with dark green veins. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 4 Nov. 2020 Yellowed leaves with green veins is called chlorosis; applying fertilizer containing iron chelate according to label instructions can help correct the problem. Sunset Magazine, 10 Sep. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chlorosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 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

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