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

Iron deficiency or iron chlorosis is especially likely to occur if acid-loving plants are grown in overly alkaline soils. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2026

Potassium deficiency causes yellowing and scorching along leaf edges, weak stems, and interveinal chlorosis, a yellowing between the leaf veins. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Dwarf or compact myrtle varieties are susceptible to iron-deficiency chlorosis, which causes leaf yellowing. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 19 Dec. 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