ETIOLATION Meaning and
Definition
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Etiolation refers to the process by which a plant undergoes morphological changes due to insufficient light exposure. It often occurs when a plant is grown in low-light conditions, such as indoors or in dense vegetation. The term etiolation originates from the French word "étioler," which means "to bleach" or "to make pale."
One of the primary characteristics of etiolated plants is the elongation of their stems. As they stretch to seek light, their stems become long, thin, and weak, with fewer leaves than normal. This growth habit is an adaptive response to maximize the plant's chances of photosynthesis under limited light availability. The leaves of etiolated plants tend to be smaller and paler as well, as they contain less chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing light energy for photosynthesis.
Etiolation is a reversible process, as plants can resume normal growth and development when exposed to adequate light levels. This phenomenon is known as de-etiolation or greening. When a plant is de-etiolated, it will display reduced stem elongation, increased leaf expansion, enhanced chlorophyll production, and overall improved health and vigor.
Etiolation can have both positive and negative implications. While it can be a useful adaptation for plants growing in shady or low-light environments, it can also be a sign of stress or suboptimal growing conditions. Gardeners and horticulturists often aim to prevent etiolation by ensuring plants receive adequate light, or they may purposely etiolate specific plant parts, such as shoots or stems, for particular purposes, such as producing tender, desirable leaves or vegetables.
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Pallor from confinement in a dark place or from a long illness.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The act of becoming white by the absence of light; absence of green colour; the process of blanching plants by excluding the action of light.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ETIOLATION
- wtiolation
- stiolation
- dtiolation
- rtiolation
- 4tiolation
- 3tiolation
- efiolation
- egiolation
- eyiolation
- e6iolation
- e5iolation
- etuolation
- etjolation
- etkolation
- etoolation
- et9olation
- et8olation
- etiilation
- etiklation
- etiolatiob
Etymology of ETIOLATION
The word "etiolation" is derived from the French verb "étioler", which means "to bleach" or "to make pale or sickly". The French term, in turn, comes from the Old French word "estieuler" meaning "to become pale". Etiolation was originally used in the context of plants that were grown in darkness or deprived of light, causing them to become pale and weak due to lack of chlorophyll production. Over time, the term has been extended to describe other processes or conditions that result in paleness or weakening.
Similar spelling words for ETIOLATION
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