Dutch elm disease

noun

: a disease of elms caused by an ascomycetous fungus (Ceratocystis ulmi) and characterized by yellowing of the foliage, defoliation, and death

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dutch elm disease was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near Dutch elm disease

Dutch elm

Dutch elm disease

Dutch engine

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Cite this Entry

“Dutch elm disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dutch%20elm%20disease. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

Dutch elm disease

noun
: a disease of elms caused by a fungus carried from one tree to another by bark beetles and marked by yellowing of the foliage, loss of leaves, and death

More from Merriam-Webster on Dutch elm disease

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Dutch elm disease

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