dry-rot

verb
\ ˈdrī-ˌrät How to pronounce dry-rot (audio) \
dry-rotted; dry-rotting; dry-rots

Definition of dry-rot

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to affect with dry rot

intransitive verb

: to become affected with dry rot

dry rot

noun

Definition of dry rot (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a decay of seasoned timber caused by fungi that consume the cellulose of wood leaving a soft skeleton which is readily reduced to powder
b : a fungal rot of plant tissue in which the affected areas are dry and often firmer than normal or more or less mummified
2 : a fungus causing dry rot
3 : decay from within caused especially by resistance to new forces

Examples of dry-rot in a Sentence

Noun

The windowsill was badly damaged by dry rot. Dry rot had eaten away part of the beam.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Soft spots may indicate wet or dry rot, especially if the floor above sags. Jim Gorman, Popular Mechanics, "The DIY Home Inspection Checklist," 30 Mar. 2015

First Known Use of dry-rot

Verb

1870, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for dry-rot

dry rot

noun

English Language Learners Definition of dry rot

: a condition in which wood is destroyed by a type of fungus