defoliation Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

De*fo`li*a"tion noun
Etymology
LL. defoliare, defoliatum, to shed leaves; L. de- + folium leaf: cf. F. défoliation.
Definitions
  1. The separation of ripened leaves from a branch or stem; the falling or shedding of the leaves.

Webster 1913