root rot

noun

: any of various plant diseases characterized by decay of the roots and caused especially by fungi

Examples of root rot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions What does root rot look like? Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2024 State of play: University of Florida professor and fourth-generation strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker began the breeding effort in 2020 to combat a vicious strain of a once-benign fungus that causes root rot. Kathryn Varn, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024 If water does not drain correctly, the roots of the Christmas cactus can become waterlogged, eventually causing root rot. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024 Avoid root rot by testing the soil before you water, providing adequate drainage, and reducing watering frequency. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for root rot 

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of root rot was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near root rot

Cite this Entry

“Root rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20rot. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on root rot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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