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

The “Only Murders in the Building” star and Rare Beauty cosmetics founder slammed speculation about her weight on TikTok, revealing that she lives with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

From Los Angeles Times

Without these key herbivores, corals can become smothered by overgrowths of algae that block out the sunlight they need to survive.

From Science Magazine

Herzog’s adaptation prunes away the expository overgrowth of Ibsen’s satiric drama.

From Los Angeles Times

Now Duke Health researchers have identified the likely cause -- an overgrowth of nerve cells in the bladder.

From Science Daily

Trimming trees is essential to enhance their appearance, prevent overgrowth and maintain overall health.

From Seattle Times