chlorosis

[ klaw-roh-sis, kloh- ]

noun

1. 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.
2. Also called greensickness. Pathology. a benign type of iron-deficiency anemia in adolescent girls, marked by a pale yellow-green complexion.

chlorosis

/ klɔːˈrɒtɪk; klɔːˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

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

chlorosis

/ klə-rō′sĭs /

1. 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.

Derived Forms

• chlorotic, adjective

Other Words From

• chlo·rot·ic [klaw-, rot, -ik, kloh-], adjective
• chlo·roti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chlorosis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of chlorosis¹

C17: from chloro- + -osis

Example Sentences

When fourteen years old she had for some months suffered from chlorosis, but had never been troubled by any other serious illness.

From Project Gutenberg

It is sometimes also found to accompany the chlorosis or green sickness.

From Project Gutenberg

For instance, the green-sickness, chlorosis, is by no means exclusively a disease of girls.

From Project Gutenberg

This unnatural desire is also frequently seen in hysteria and chlorosis, and in several uterine diseases.

From Project Gutenberg

It is only moderately productive and for some years has been affected with chlorosis.

From Project Gutenberg