dampen off
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
When young plants die because the soil is too wet and a fungus attacks them.
Literal meaning: To become too damp and then die off.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
(Of seedlings or young plants) to suddenly wilt, collapse, and die due to fungal infection favoured by excessive moisture.
"Half of the tomato seedlings dampened off because the trays were left in standing water."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
A specialist gardening term. The condition is caused by various soil-borne fungi (e.g. Pythium, Rhizoctonia). Good drainage and air circulation prevent it. Used almost exclusively in horticultural contexts.
Commonly used with
seedlings cuttings soil propagation fungus roots
Forms
Base
dampen off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dampens off
he/she/it
Past simple
dampened off
yesterday
Past participle
dampened off
have + pp
-ing form
dampening off
continuous
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