bacterial canker

noun

: any of various plant diseases caused by bacteria and characterized by the formation of cankers: such as
a
: a disease of stone fruits (such as plums and cherries) caused by bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas and marked by cankers on affected branches with copious exudation of gum and often severe dieback of affected areas

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bacterial canker was circa 1905

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near bacterial canker

Cite this Entry

“Bacterial canker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bacterial%20canker. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!