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foot rot

foot rot

7.3
A spreading infection of the feet of animals like sheep and cows that causes swelling and difficulty walking
  • noun
  • /fʊt rɑt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pododermatitis
  • The farmer treated several cows suffering from foot rot in the wet pastures.

Examples

  • Cows suffering from foot rot may become lame.

  • The farmer discovered foot rot in his cattle.

  • If foot rot is left untreated, it can lead to severe lameness in sheep.

  • Regularly cleaning the barn can help prevent foot rot in livestock.

  • Many farmers struggle with foot rot in their sheep, as it can lead to lameness and severe tissue damage.

  • If cattle are not properly cared for, they may develop foot rot, which can cause significant health issues.

  • To prevent foot rot, it is essential to keep animals' hooves clean and dry during wet weather.

How Severe

gangrene
  • Specialized
16 8.7
foot rot
  • Specialized
7.3
founder
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Surface Forms

foot rot singular
foot rots plural

Morphology

foot + rot

The meaning is directly built from 'foot' (here understood as the base or lowest part of a plant/stem) + 'rot' (decay); together they straightforwardly denote decay at the plant's base. This compositional mapping is predictable and, given the plant context, a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Foot rot comes from a simple picture: an animal's foot or hoof begins to rot in wet, muddy fields, so the animal limps and cannot walk well. That's why the term means 'a contagious infection of the feet'.