winterkill

[ win-ter-kil ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to kill by or die from exposure to the cold of winter, as wheat.

noun

1. an act or instance of winterkilling.
2. death resulting from winterkilling.

winterkill

/ ˈwɪntəˌkɪl /

verb

1. to kill (crops or other plants) by exposure to frost, cold, etc, or (of plants) to die by this means

Derived Forms

• ˈwinterˌkilling, adjectivenoun

Word History and Origins

Origin of winterkill¹

First recorded in 1810–20; winter + kill ¹

Example Sentences

Because buckwheat is not frost-tolerant, late-season plantings can be left to winterkill in your beds.

From Seattle Times

“It should be noted that winterkill this year was minimal, which gives the crop some advantage.”

From Reuters

Some 15 to 20 percent of the region’s soft red wheat crop may be at risk of winterkill early next week, the Commodity Weather Group said.

From Reuters

Winterkill happens when heavy snowfall blocks sunlight from going into lakes.

From Seattle Times

This is an extract from Winterkill by Cal Flyn, published in Granta 142: Animalia.

From The Guardian