dry rot

noun
1.
Plant Pathology.
  1. a decay of seasoned timber, resulting in its becoming brittle and crumbling to a dry powder, caused by various fungi.
  2. any of various diseases of plants in which the rotted tissues are dry.
2.
any concealed or unsuspected inner decay.
Origin
1785-95

dry-rot

[drahy-rot] /ˈdraɪˌrɒt/
verb (used without object), verb (used with object), dry-rotted, dry-rotting.
1.
to undergo or cause to undergo the action or effects of dry rot.
Origin
1865-70
Examples from the web for dry rot
  • The vessel has a major problem with dry rot and needs extensive rehabilitation.
  • Pocket dry rot: affects mostly cedar, especially large, older trees.
  • Check your tires for signs of aging, including dry rot and cracking.
  • Air movement within the uninsulated cavity causes this condensation to evaporate, and prevents dry rot.
  • The ship was salvaged and served for only about five years before dry rot forced its retirement.
  • These potatoes were inoculated with the fungus that causes the storage disease known as dry rot.
  • Check also for dry rot, termites or carpenter ants in the floor joists or subflooring.
  • Weaknesses include susceptibility to blackspot bruise, and moderate susceptibility to hollow heart and dry rot.
  • Dampness promotes the growth of moisture-related mold, mildew, and fungus that leads to dry rot.
  • dry rot, missing straps or buckles, or any tears in the fabric will make it unserviceable.
British Dictionary definitions for dry rot

dry rot

noun
1.
crumbling and drying of timber, bulbs, potatoes, or fruit, caused by saprotrophic basidiomycetous fungi
2.
any fungus causing this decay, esp of the genus Merulius
3.
moral degeneration or corrupt practices, esp when previously unsuspected