allelopathy

[ uh-lee-lop-uh-thee, al-uh-lop- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. suppression of growth of a plant by a toxin released from a nearby plant of the same or another species.

allelopathy

/ ˌælɪˈlɒpəθɪ /

noun

1. the inhibitory effect of one living plant upon another by the release of toxic substances

allelopathy

/ ə-lē-lŏp′ə-thē,ăl′ə- /

1. The inhibition of growth in one plant species by chemicals produced by another. For example, other plants will often not grow underneath black walnut trees, since these trees produce juglone, a chemical inhibiting plant respiration.

Other Words From

• al·le·lo·path·ic [uh, -lee-l, uh, -, path, -ik, uh, -lel-, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of allelopathy¹

1940–45; < French allélopathie; allele, -pathy

Word History and Origins

Origin of allelopathy¹

from French allélopathie, from Greek allēl- one another + pathos suffering

Example Sentences

They stymie other shade plants in the immediate neighborhood through the process of allelopathy, the release of compounds that inhibit plant growth.

From New York Times

Students have independently sought out information on the resources for which plants compete, rhizobia symbioses, allelopathy, or the need for mineral nutrients.

From Science Magazine