Definition

Describing a process where one plant releases chemicals that can affect the growth or development of other plants nearby.

Example

The allelopathic properties of certain plants can inhibit the growth of nearby species.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about allelopathic plants?

Yeah, I read that they can affect the growth of other plants nearby.

Exactly! It's fascinating how nature works like that.

It really is! I wonder which plants are the most allelopathic.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Allelopathic → It is formed from "allelon" (from Greek, meaning of each other) and "pathos" (from Greek, meaning suffering or feeling). The word describes the phenomenon where one plant affects the growth of another through the release of chemicals, hence the relationship of mutual influence or suffering between them.

Memory Tip

Think of plants affecting each other 'of each other' ('allelon') and causing 'suffering' ('pathos') — that's why allelopathic refers to the way plants interact chemically.

Visually Confused Words