Anthracnose
/ˌænθrækˈnoʊsɪs/noun
A group of fungal diseases that cause dark, sunken lesions on plants, especially leaves, stems, and fruit.
Did you know?The Greek word ánthrax meant “coal” or “charcoal” and also described a black carbuncle, inspiring the names anthrax and anthracnose.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄνθραξ (ánthrax)
“Coal, charcoal, or a black carbuncle”
Ancient Greek
Greek
νόσος (nósos)
“Disease or illness”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
anthracnosis
“A disease characterized by coal-black markings or lesions”
19th Century
French
anthracnose
“A plant disease producing dark, coal-like spots”
19th–20th Century
English
anthracnose
“A fungal disease of plants causing dark, sunken lesions”
Modern English
English
anthracnose
“A collective name for several related plant diseases caused by fungi”
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