overgrowth

[ oh-ver-grohth ]

noun

1. a growth overspreading or covering something.
2. excessive growth:

   to prune a young tree so as to prevent overgrowth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overgrowth¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; over- + growth

Example Sentences

One theory is that PTSD develops as a result of an overgrowth of synaptic connections in the amygdala, the part of the brain that acquires and stores fear memories, after intense or repeated exposure to a frightening stimulus.

From Time

The specific carbohydrate diet, which is a grain-free elimination diet, is based on the idea that consuming certain complex carbs feeds unhealthy bacteria, causing an overgrowth of these “bad” bacteria in the small intestine.

From Time

This overgrowth of algae can make water unsafe plants and animals.

From Science News For Students

Although it generally matched the size of a human heart, the team wanted to prevent the pig organ from overgrowth inside Bennett’s chest once it was transplanted—something they previously noticed happened in baboons.

From Singularity Hub 

The full recovery of a species means it’s playing its natural role in the ecosystem — be it eating plants, and preventing overgrowth, or spreading seeds — across its native range.

From Vox

The modest violet may exhale its fragrance through an overgrowth of noxious weeds—and humanity bears out the simile.

From Project Gutenberg

Just what causes this overgrowth of connective tissue is not clear.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the overgrowth of these qualities, to the detriment of the artistic element, that mars her later works.

From Project Gutenberg

Lightning on peaks which were like polished jet—bare rock above, the lush overgrowth of jungle below.

From Project Gutenberg

The nucleus of Biarritz is old, but that is out of sight in the modern overgrowth; Biarritz, as it is, is of this half century.

From Project Gutenberg