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
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This may predispose plants to problems like root rot and damping off disease. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025 The most common reason plants die during the winter months is poorly draining soil which leads to root rot. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2025 Plus, water can pool on the bottom, leaving your plants vulnerable to root rot. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025 Direct contact between mulch and plants traps moisture and leads to root rot. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Root rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20rot. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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