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Defoliate: meaning, definitions and examples

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defoliate

 

[ dɪˈfoʊliˌeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

agriculture, botany

To defoliate means to remove leaves from a plant or tree, either naturally or artificially. This process can occur due to various reasons such as environmental conditions, pest infestations, or intentional farming practices. In agriculture, defoliation is often used to enhance crop yield by encouraging better fruit production. However, excessive defoliation can harm the plant and reduce its overall health. Understanding the balance in defoliation is crucial for successful cultivation.

Synonyms

bare, desheet, remove leaves, strip.

Examples of usage

  • Farmers sometimes defoliate cotton plants before harvest.
  • The severe windstorm defoliated the trees in the park.
  • Chemical agents are used to defoliate certain crops.
  • Defoliation can result in increased sunlight exposure for ripe fruits.

Translations

Translations of the word "defoliate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfolhar

🇮🇳 पत्ते गिराना

🇩🇪 entblättern

🇮🇩 menggugurkan daun

🇺🇦 облиснити

🇵🇱 zrzucać liście

🇯🇵 脱葉する

🇫🇷 défolier

🇪🇸 deshojar

🇹🇷 yaprak dökmek

🇰🇷 잎을 떨어뜨리다

🇸🇦 تساقط الأوراق

🇨🇿 odlistění

🇸🇰 odlistenie

🇨🇳 脱叶

🇸🇮 odlistiti

🇮🇸 blöð tappa

🇰🇿 жапырақ түсіру

🇬🇪 ფოთლების დაცემა

🇦🇿 yarpaq tökmək

🇲🇽 deshojar

Etymology

The term 'defoliate' originates from the combination of the prefix 'de-', meaning removal or reversal, and 'foliage', which is derived from the Latin word 'folium,' meaning leaf. The usage of 'defoliate' in the context of botany can be traced back to the mid-20th century, especially during World War II when chemical agents were used extensively for military purposes. The practice spread to agriculture as a method for improving crop efficiency and managing pests. Today, the word is chiefly associated with agricultural practices, pest control measures, and ecological studies concerning plant health and growth. Defoliation also serves as a critical concept in environmental science, particularly in discussions about the impact of human activity on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,588, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.