Pronunciation: [wˈɪlts] (IPA) 
The word "wilts" is spelled with four letters - W, I, L, and T. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /wɪlts/. The sound of W is pronounced as /w/, and the I is pronounced as /ɪ/. The L sound is /l/, and T is pronounced as /t/. Together, the word is pronounced as "wiltz." This word has various meanings, including to become limp or to lose strength gradually. Its spelling can easily be remembered by breaking down its phonetic components.
Wilts is a verb that refers to the act of becoming limp, droopy, or withered, primarily due to the lack of water, heat, or other unfavorable environmental conditions. It commonly describes the phenomenon seen in plants when they lose their turgidity, resulting in a decreased ability to stand upright and an overall deterioration in their appearance.
In a botanical sense, wilting occurs when the cells of a plant lose their internal water pressure, known as turgor, which is crucial for maintaining the plant's rigidity and stability. This can happen when the plant does not receive an adequate water supply or when exposed to excessive heat, sunlight, or wind. Under such circumstances, the plant undergoes wilting as a defense mechanism to minimize water loss through transpiration.
Wilting is easily recognizable by the characteristic drooping or sagging of leaves and stems, which appear soft, flaccid, and lacking vitality. The overall reduction in rigidity weakens the plant's ability to conduct photosynthesis effectively, resulting in diminished growth and productivity.
However, it is important to note that wilting is not always irreversible, and many plants can recover when provided with adequate water and appropriate growing conditions. Proper irrigation, shading, and protection from extreme weather conditions are some of the measures that can prevent or reverse wilting. Understanding the causes and effects of wilting is essential in managing plant health and cultivation effectively.
The word "wilts" is a present tense form of the verb "wilt". The etymology of "wilt" can be traced back to Middle English and Old English. In Middle English, the verb was spelled "wilten" or "wulten". It is derived from the Old English verb "wiltan" which meant "to wither" or "to fade". The Old English verb itself is thought to have been borrowed from an earlier West Germanic language. Ultimately, the origins of "wilts" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "weltaną", meaning "to wilt" or "to fade away".
