Defoliation

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  defoliation \de*fo`li*a"tion\, n. [LL. defoliare, defoliatum, to
     shed leaves; L. de- + folium leaf: cf. F. d['e]foliation.]
     The separation of ripened leaves from a branch or stem; the
     falling or shedding of the leaves.
     [1913 Webster]
  


     2. the act or process of causing plants to lose their leaves,
        especially by application of a chemical agent.
  
     Note: The deliberate defoliation of plants has been used in
           war (as in Vietnam) to deprive an enemy of cover and
           allow attack from the air; also, to destroy
           narcotic-producing plants as a tactic against illegal
           drug production. The chemical defoliating agents are
           often sprayed over large areas from airplanes.
           [PJC]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  defoliation
       n 1: the loss of foliage
       2: causing the leaves of trees and other plants to fall off (as
          by the use of chemicals)