white rot

noun

1

: any of several plants (as marsh pennywort and butterwort) formerly held to produce rot in sheep

2

a

: a disease of grapes caused by an imperfect fungus (Coniothyrium diplodiella) that produces white or grayish brown-bordered spots on young shoots and fruit

b

: any of several wood rots of various trees caused chiefly by fungi of the genus Fomes

c

: a fungal rot of onions, garlic, shallots, and related plants caused by a fungus (Sclerotinia cepivorum) and characterized by production of abundant white mycelium

3

: a watery spoiled condition of eggs in which the white is mixed with the yolk

also : an egg so spoiled

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of white rot was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

Style

“White rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20rot. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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