1
: an iron-deficiency anemia especially of adolescent girls that may impart a greenish tint to the skin

called also greensickness

2
: a diseased condition in green plants marked by yellowing or blanching

Examples of chlorosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Common Problems Like all nandinas, Obsession™ can develop chlorosis when plants are grown in alkaline soil. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026 Although Verticillium wilt symptoms differ among hosts, abnormalities like leaf yellowing (chlorosis) or browning, wilting, and branch dieback raise suspicion of infection across the board. — Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026 When overapplied, baking soda can cause plants to wilt, become stunted, develop leaf chlorosis or yellowing, and even die. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026 Dwarf or compact myrtle varieties are susceptible to iron-deficiency chlorosis, which causes leaf yellowing. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chlorosis

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chlorosis was in 1678

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Cite this Entry

“Chlorosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorosis. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Medical Definition

chlorosis

noun
: an iron-deficiency anemia especially of adolescent girls that may impart a greenish tint to the skin

called also greensickness

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