Wiktionary:Word of the day/2024/February 22

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Word of the day
for February 22
blight v
  1. (transitive)
    1. (phytopathology) To affect the fertility or growth of (a plant) with a blight (noun sense 1.1), especially one caused by a fungus; to blast, to mildew, to smut.
    2. (by extension, pathology, dated) To affect (a body part) with a disease.
    3. (figurative) To impede the development or growth of (an aspect of life); to damage, to ruin, to spoil.
  2. (intransitive) Of a plant: to suffer blight (noun sense 1.1).

blight n

  1. (phytopathology)
    1. A diseased condition suffered by a plant; specifically, a complete and rapid chlorosis, browning, then death of plant tissues such as floral organs, leaves, branches, or twigs, especially one caused by a fungus; a mildew, a rust, a smut.
    2. The cause of such a condition, often unseen but believed to be airborne; specifically, a bacterium, a virus, or (especially) a fungus; also, an aphid which attacks fruit trees.
  2. (by extension)
    1. A state of cloudy, humid weather.
    2. (pathology, dated) A diseased condition of the face or skin; specifically, bleeding under the conjunctiva of the eye, a form of skin rash, or a palsy of the face due to cold.
  3. (figurative)
    1. Something that impedes development or growth, or spoils any other aspect of life.
    2. (specifically) A rundown and unsightly condition of an urban area; also, such an area.
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