© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

chlorosis

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kləˈroʊsɪs/

KK: /klɔˈroʊsɪs/

noun
Definition

A condition in plants where the leaves turn yellow due to a lack of chlorophyll, often caused by nutrient deficiencies or diseases. It can also refer to a type of anemia in humans that causes a yellowish discoloration of the skin.


Example

The gardener noticed chlorosis in the leaves of the tomato plants, indicating they needed more nutrients.


Conversation
Sloth A
I noticed my plant's leaves are turning yellow, and I think it might have chlorosis.
Sloth B
Oh no! That usually happens when they don't get enough nutrients.
Sloth A
Yeah, I read that it's often caused by a lack of iron or some other deficiency.
Sloth B
Exactly! You should try giving it some fertilizer to help it recover.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
yellowing
blanching
anemia
Antonyms
health
vitality
strength
Root Explanation

Chlorosis → It is formed from "chloros" (from Greek, meaning green) and "-osis" (meaning a condition or process). The word "chlorosis" refers to a condition characterized by a greenish discoloration, often used in botany to describe plants that are yellowing due to insufficient chlorophyll.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for green ('chloros') to remember that chlorosis refers to a condition related to a greenish color, especially in plants.

Visually Confused Words
chondrosis
choeropsis
lordosis
chylosis
chorisis
chylidrosis
achloropsia
Is this page helpful?