SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

late blight

noun

Updated on: 27 Mar 2018

Definition of late blight

: a disease of solanaceous plants (such as the potato and tomato) that is caused by a fungus (Phytophthora infestans) and is characterized by decay of stems, leaves, and in the potato also of tubers

Recent Examples of late blight from the Web

The problem of potato late blight, though not as acute, persists.

— tom page, CNN, "Potato power: Student wins $250,000 prize for blight solution that could save billions," 13 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'late blight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of late blight

1893

in the meaning defined above

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See words that rhyme with late blight Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about late blight

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