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⬇️ Weakening or stunting 😷 Pale appearance 🌱 Pale plant growth
etiolation

etiolation

9.9
A pale, weak look that shows lack of light or energy
  • noun
  • /ˌiːtiˈoʊleɪʃən/
translation icon : pálidez
  • The etiolation of the plants was evident after weeks of darkness.

Examples

  • The prisoner’s etiolation was apparent after years without sunlight in the cell.

  • Her face showed the etiolation that comes from weeks of illness.

  • Extended confinement indoors can result in etiolation of both body and spirit.

  • Many plants show signs of etiolation when grown indoors.

  • After spending several months in a dimly lit room, his etiolation was visibly noticeable to his friends.

  • The plants in the basement demonstrated clear signs of etiolation, with their pale stems stretching towards the faint light.

  • She couldn't ignore the etiolation that had set in during her recovery, leaving her looking frail and worn.

Synonyms

pallor
vsetiolation
6 8.3

A very pale look to the skin that shows illness or shock

is about a pale, sickly overall appearance linked to lack of light or vigor
paleness
vsetiolation
3 4.3

A face that looks very light in colour because of illness, fear, or lack of sun

is a pale, sickly appearance caused especially by lack of light or vitality
pallidity
vsetiolation
9.9

A pale look showing little normal color in the skin

focuses on a pale, sickly look tied to light deprivation and low vitality
washiness
vsetiolation
8.8

A pale, weak look that lacks strong color or energy

stresses a pale, sickly look caused specifically by low light and low vitality

Antonyms

vitality
16 4.6

Ability of a living thing to survive and grow

robustness
2 5.5

Strength and health that help a person or thing withstand hard conditions

How Pale

pallor
6 8.3
etiolation
9.9
paleness
3 4.3

Surface Forms

etiolation singular
etiolations plural

Morphology

etiolation = etiolate (semi-transparent) = etiol + ate + ion

The noun is a straightforward nominalization of 'etiolate' with '-ion'.

Etymology

The word etiolation comes from the French étioler, 'to make pale', so you can remember it as the pale, sickly look that comes from a lack of light or energy. That's why etiolation means a pale and weak appearance.