Withered

Withered is an adjective describing something that has shriveled, dried up, or lost vitality. In botany, withered plant tissue has typically lost turgor and firmness, often as a result of moisture stress, age, or disease. This condition can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause; true wilting from water deficit may be reversed with rehydration if cells have not suffered irreversible damage, whereas withering can indicate tissue collapse or death.

Causes include drought, excessive heat, frost, root damage, soil salinity, nutrient deficiencies, and pathogens. Signs include curled or wrinkled leaves, brown or papery tissue, and a general decline in vigor. In plants, withering can lead to reduced photosynthesis, impaired growth, and, if severe, death. Management focuses on addressing the underlying stress: appropriate watering and moisture management, shade or cooling, mulching, soil improvement, pest and disease control, and pruning to remove severely damaged tissue.

In human use, withered can describe aging or diminished vitality, such as a withered countenance or a withering look. Metaphorically, it conveys erosion of strength or emotional impact. The term is often used to convey dryness or decay in natural materials (like wood) as well as in living organisms or figurative language.