chlorosis

noun

chlo·​ro·​sis klə-ˈrō-səs 

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

klə-ˈrä-tik 

adjective

Examples of chlorosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Root rot and chlorosis, a yellow veining of the leaves, can occur with too much water. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025

Due to the alkaline soil in Southern California, gardenias and other acid-loving plants such as azaleas, blueberry bushes, and coffee trees may exhibit a condition known as interveinal chlorosis; on older leaves, veins are green while spaces in between the veins are yellow. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 July 2025

For example, chlorosis, a yellowing between leaf veins, may indicate a need for more nitrogen, iron or manganese. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

chlorosis

noun

chlo·​ro·​sis klə-ˈrō-səs 

plural chloroses -ˌsēz 

: an iron-deficiency anemia especially of adolescent girls that may impart a greenish tint to the skin

called also greensickness

chlorotic

-ˈrät-ik 

adjective