chlorosis

[ klaw-roh-sis, kloh- ]
/ klɔˈroʊ sɪs, kloʊ- /

noun

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.
Also called greensickness. Pathology. a benign type of iron-deficiency anemia in adolescent girls, marked by a pale yellow-green complexion.

Origin of chlorosis

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

OTHER WORDS FROM chlorosis

chlo·rot·ic [klaw-rot-ik, kloh-] /klɔˈrɒt ɪk, kloʊ-/, adjective chlo·rot·i·cal·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for chlorosis

British Dictionary definitions for chlorosis

chlorosis
/ (klɔːˈrəʊsɪs) /

noun

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
botany a deficiency of chlorophyll in green plants caused by mineral deficiency, lack of light, disease, etc, the leaves appearing uncharacteristically pale

Derived forms of chlorosis

chlorotic (klɔːˈrɒtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for chlorosis

C17: from chloro- + -osis

Medical definitions for chlorosis

chlorosis
[ klə-rōsĭs ]

n.

A form of chronic anemia, primarily of young women, characterized by a greenish-yellow discoloration of the skin and usually associated with deficiency in iron and protein. chloremia

Other words from chlorosis

chlo•rotic (-rŏtĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for chlorosis

chlorosis
[ klə-rōsĭs ]

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.