See Also: blight(medicine)
blight(encyclopedia)
blight(2)(dictionary)
blight(1)(dictionary)
leaf blight(medicine)
kernel blight(medicine)
halo blight(medicine)
chestnut blight(medicine)
chestnut blight(encyclopedia)
blight 1, noun(dictionary)

blight(1) (iou)



blight noun. M16.
[Origin uncertain: perh. ult. rel. to BLEACH noun.]
(An) inflammation or eruption of the skin. M16.
(The state resulting from) an atmospheric or other influence that suddenly blasts, nips, withers, or destroys plants or affects them with disease; spec. a plant disease caused by fungoid parasites, as mildew, rust, smut, etc. L16.
late blight: see LATE adjective. ray blight: see RAY noun1.
b. collect. Destructive aphids. L19.
Any (esp. obscure) malignant influence or effect. M17.
S. Bellow The insidious blight of nostalgia. C. McCullough The rabbits were as much of a blight as ever.
b. spec. More fully urban blight. (The development or existence of) derelict or unsightly areas in a town or city. M20.
Comb.: blight-bird Austral. & NZ the white-eye (noted for feeding on insect pests).