defoliate
English
Etymology
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /diːˈfəʊliː(j)eɪt/
Verb
defoliate (third-person singular simple present defoliates, present participle defoliating, simple past and past participle defoliated)
- (transitive) To remove foliage from (one or more plants), most often with a chemical agent.
- Agent Orange was used to defoliate jungle vegetation.
- 2020, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments, Minneapolis: Milkweed Editions, →ISBN, page 2:
- These leaves are the moth’s only source of food, and if left unchecked, the caterpillars can completely defoliate a single mighty tree.
Derived terms
Translations
to remove foliage from plants
Adjective
defoliate (comparative more defoliate, superlative most defoliate)
- Deprived of leaves; defoliated.
Anagrams
Interlingua
Adjective
defoliate (not comparable)
Italian
Etymology 1
Verb
defoliate
- inflection of defoliare:
Etymology 2
Participle
defoliate f pl