What does the term chlorotic indicate when describing leaves?

The term "chlorotic" specifically refers to the yellowing of leaves. This condition often indicates that a plant is experiencing stress, which could be due to nutrient deficiencies, particularly a lack of nitrogen, or issues with water availability, poor soil quality, or even disease. Yellowing leaves typically signify that the chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis, is diminishing, leading to the noticeable color change. Understanding this term is critical for diagnosing plant health issues and implementing appropriate interventions to restore the plant's vitality. Other conditions, such as browning or increased leaf size, do not align with the definition of "chlorotic."