Definition

The process where parts of a plant, especially the tips of shoots, gradually die due to diseases or environmental factors.

Example

The tree showed signs of dieback after the harsh winter conditions.

Conversation

Have you heard about the dieback affecting the trees in the park?

Yeah, it's really concerning to see so many trees struggling.

I wonder what causes this kind of dieback in plants.

It could be a mix of diseases and environmental stress, I guess.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dieback is formed from "die" (from Old English "dīgan", meaning to perish or cease to live) and "back" (from Old English "bæc", meaning the rear or reverse side). The term "dieback" refers to the phenomenon where parts of a plant, particularly the tips of branches, die back or perish, often due to environmental stress or disease.

Memory Tip

Think of a plant that is 'dying' ('die') from the 'back' or tips of its branches, which helps you remember that 'dieback' refers to the dying back of plant parts.

Visually Confused Words