Definition

To become pale or white due to lack of light, especially in plants that grow in darkness.

Example

The seedlings began to etiolate as they stretched towards the faint light coming through the window.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I noticed that my plants started to etiolate after I moved them to the shade.

Really? I thought they needed less sunlight to grow better.

That's what I thought too, but it turns out they need some light to stay healthy.

I guess I'll have to find a better spot for mine then!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To cause a plant to grow without green color due to lack of sunlight, or to make someone or something appear weak and pale.

Example

The gardener tried to avoid etiolating the seedlings by ensuring they received enough light.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you noticed how some plants look so etiolate when they don't get enough sunlight?

Yeah, they really do look weak and pale like that.

It's sad because they could thrive if they just had a bit more light.

Root Explanation

Etiolate → It is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "tiol" (from Latin *tiolare*, meaning to make weak or to weaken). The word describes the process of making a plant weak or pale due to lack of light.

Memory Tip

Think of a plant that is 'without' light ('a-') and becomes 'weakened' ('tiolare') — that's why etiolate means to make a plant weak or pale.

Visually Confused Words