dry-rot

/'drai'rɔt/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
dry-rot

The old wooden beam shows signs of dry-rot.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A type of fungal decay in timber: "dry-rot" refers to a destructive process, primarily caused by certain fungi, that causes wood to become brittle and crumble into a dry, powdery substance, often occurring in poorly ventilated conditions.
    • (Figurative) A hidden, progressive decay: Used metaphorically to describe a hidden, corrupting influence that gradually undermines an organization, system, or moral state.

  2. Verb:

    • To decay with dry rot: To be affected by or cause something to be affected by the fungal decay known as dry rot.
Usage Examples

  • Noun: The old floorboards had to be replaced due to extensive dry-rot.Corruption was the dry-rot that eventually brought down the administration.

  • Verb: If the timber is not treated, it will dry-rot within a few years.The untreated beams have begun to dry-rot in the damp cellar.

Advanced Usage
  • "to be riddled with dry rot": to be extensively damaged or corrupted by it.
Variants and Related Words
  • Dry-rotted (adj): Describing something that has been affected by dry rot.
Synonyms
  • Decay (n/v): The general process of rotting or decomposition.
  • Deterioration (n): The process of becoming progressively worse.
  • Fungal decay (n): More specific term for rot caused by fungi.
Related Phrases
  • Wet rot: A different type of fungal decay in wood that requires a higher moisture content than dry rot.
dry-rot

The old wooden beam shows signs of dry-rot.

Verb
  1. affect or be affected with dry rot

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