dieback

American  

[dahy-bak] / ˈdaɪˌbæk /

noun

Plant Pathology.

1. a condition in a plant in which the branches or shoots die from the tip inward, caused by any of several bacteria, fungi, or viruses or by certain environmental conditions.

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dieback British  

/ ˈdaɪˌbæk /

noun

1. a disease of trees and shrubs characterized by death of the young shoots, which spreads to the larger branches: caused by injury to the roots or attack by bacteria or fungi

2. any similar condition of herbaceous plants

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verb

1. (intr, adverb) (of plants) to suffer from dieback

Etymology

Origin of dieback

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; die ¹ + back ²

Example Sentences

Soon enough, trees everywhere were showing blotchy, mottled, yellowed leaves and suffering from twig dieback and sparse foliage.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Scientists also warned that tipping points in the Amazon were closer than previously thought, and "widespread dieback" and large-scale forest degradation was a risk even below 2C of global warming.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025

In this new study, Bos and co-authors show that the ferns, which took advantage of the dieback of forests, themselves were subjected to stress from Hg-pollution well beyond the immediate extinction interval.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2024

Chalara ash dieback, caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, had developed among a section of trees in the woodland in Flaxley, where dormice are monitored.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2024

Considerable dieback of filberts occurred; but during the following growing season recovery was effected and at the end of the summer very little evidence of winter injury was visible.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 41st Annual Meeting Pleasant Valley, New York, August 28, 29 and 30, 1950 by Northern Nut Growers Association