foot rot

noun

1
: a progressive inflammation of the feet of sheep, goats, or cattle that is associated with bacterial infection
2
: a plant disease marked by rot of the stem near the ground

Examples of foot rot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many were anemic and had foot rot, a contagious bacterial disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated in wet environments. Hilary Howard, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 Ocean rowers can suffer all kinds of nasty ailments during long periods at sea — from unremitting foot rot and sun blisters to fractured bones and renal failure. Gregory Thomas, SFChronicle.com, 15 Sep. 2020 Wet feet are the quickest way to blisters, frostbite, and even foot rot. Outdoor Life, 13 May 2020 Creating the organic layers too close to the trunks has encouraged foot rot a disease. Tom MacCubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, 21 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foot rot.' 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

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foot rot was in 1706

Dictionary Entries Near foot rot

Cite this Entry

“Foot rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foot%20rot. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

foot rot

noun
: a progressive inflammation of foot tissues (as between the digits) especially of sheep or cattle
specifically : a necrobacillosis marked by sloughing, ulceration, suppuration, and sometimes loss of the hoof

More from Merriam-Webster on foot rot

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