oak wilt

American  

noun

Plant Pathology.

1. a disease of oaks, characterized by wilting and discoloration of the leaves and defoliation, usually starting at and spreading from the top of the tree and the ends of the branches, caused by a fungus, Chalara quercina.

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Etymology

Origin of oak wilt

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oak wilt

The cost for treating oak wilt, or any tree disease that requires a fungicide injection, depends on the tree’s diameter at breast height, or DBH.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 4, 2026

Leaf blister, sooty mold, oak wilt, leaf scorch: Been there, done that.

From "Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate

I assume you have heard that Mr. Bretz of our Division has found that the oak wilt fungus has attacked some of our Chinese chestnuts in Missouri.

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

Future Outlook Among the many things that we need to know yet about the oak wilt disease and its causal fungus one is outstanding.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 43rd Annual Meeting Rockport, Indiana, August 25, 26 and 27, 1952 by Northern Nut Growers Association

It is not known yet what part this pad plays in the life history of the fungus but we do know that it is produced by the same fungus which causes oak wilt.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 43rd Annual Meeting Rockport, Indiana, August 25, 26 and 27, 1952 by Northern Nut Growers Association