virescence

[ vahy-res-uhns, vi- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. state of becoming somewhat, though usually not totally, green, due to the abnormal presence of chlorophyll.

virescence

/ vɪˈrɛsəns /

noun

1. (in plants) the process of becoming green, esp by the action of disease, etc, in parts not normally green
2. the condition of being or the process of becoming green

Word History and Origins

Origin of virescence¹

First recorded in 1885–90; viresc(ent) + -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of virescence¹

C19: see virescent

Example Sentences

See also succeeding paragraphs and sections in Chloranthy, Virescence, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

A sudden belch of flame, outside, split the night with terrible virescence.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the above are probably cases of mere virescence rather than of phyllody.

From Project Gutenberg

The plumage of the young bird is brownish-olive above, with a tendency to stronger virescence on the rump and tail.

From Project Gutenberg