chlorosis

American  

[klaw-roh-sis, kloh-] / klɔˈroʊ sɪs, kloʊ- /

noun

1. an abnormally yellow color of plant tissues, resulting from partial failure to develop chlorophyll, caused by a nutrient deficiency or the activities of a pathogen.

2. Also called greensickness.  Pathology. a benign type of iron-deficiency anemia in adolescent girls, marked by a pale yellow-green complexion.

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chlorosis British  

/ klɔːˈrəʊsɪs, klɔːˈrɒtɪk /

noun

1. Also called: greensickness.  pathol a disorder, formerly common in adolescent girls, characterized by pale greenish-yellow skin, weakness, and palpitation and caused by insufficient iron in the body

2. botany a deficiency of chlorophyll in green plants caused by mineral deficiency, lack of light, disease, etc, the leaves appearing uncharacteristically pale

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chlorosis Scientific  

/ klə-rō′sĭs /

1. The yellowing or whitening of normally green plant tissue because of loss or decreased production of chlorophyll, often as a result of disease, insufficient light, or inadequate sources of iron and magnesium.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• chlorotically
  adverb
• chlorotic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chlorosis

First recorded in 1675–85; chlor- ¹ + -osis

Example Sentences

In 1936, chlorosis was officially demolished as a condition.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2012

Victims of chlorosis were usually maidens in their middle teens.

From Time Magazine Archive

We inspected it several times a day, vigilant for signs of under- or overwatering, too much or too little sun, spider mites, drafts, chlorosis, general malaise.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Desire for strange articles of food, as slate-pencils, ashes, etc., is met with in some instances of chlorosis and of hysteria.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

The French growers report that all varieties of this species show a marked antipathy to a limestone soil, the vines soon becoming affected with chlorosis when planted in soils of this nature.

From Manual of American Grape-Growing by Hedrick, U. P.