chlorosis

views updated

chlo·ro·sis / klôˈrōsəs/ • n. 1. Bot. abnormal reduction or loss of the normal green coloration of leaves of plants, typically caused by iron deficiency in lime-rich soils, or by disease or lack of light.2. Med. anemia caused by iron deficiency, esp. in adolescent girls, causing a pale, faintly greenish complexion. It was a common diagnosis in the 19th century.DERIVATIVES: chlo·rot·ic / klôrˈätik/ adj.

More From encyclopedia.com