: any of a form genus (Rhizoctonia) of imperfect fungi that includes major plant pathogens

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from rhiz- + Greek -ktonos killing, from kteinein to kill; akin to Sanskrit kṣaṇoti he wounds

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhizoctonia was in 1897

Cite this Entry

“Rhizoctonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhizoctonia. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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