phytophthora

American  

[fahy-tof-ther-uh] / faɪˈtɒf θər ə /

noun

1. any of a group of fungi of the genus Phytophthora, which cause a serious plant disease, especially affecting apple and pear trees and potatoes.

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Etymology

Origin of phytophthora

< New Latin (1876), equivalent to Greek phyto- phyto- + -phthora, feminine of -phthoros, verbid of phtheírein to destroy

Example Sentences

“That’s the easiest way to make them susceptible to a fungus — phytophthora — that can kill a plant almost overnight.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2022