chlorosis

[klaw-roh-sis, kloh-]

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.

chlorosis

/ 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

chlorosis

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.

Other Word Forms

• chlorotic adjective
• chlorotically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chlorosis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of chlorosis¹

C17: from _chloro- + _-osis