1. (of a plant) pale and weak from lack of light; having long, thin stems with small leaves
Usage: botanical term; often used literally of houseplants or seedlings grown in darkness
2. lacking vigor, vitality, or moral strength; weakened or feeble
Usage: figurative use; often applied to people, ideas, or institutions

Examples

• The seedlings became etiolated after being kept in a dark closet for weeks.
• Without sunlight, the houseplant grew etiolated and drooped sadly in the corner.
• The critic argued that the once-great movement had become etiolated and lost its original purpose.
• Etiolated stems are characteristically long and spindly because the plant stretches toward any available light.
• The author's later works seemed etiolated compared to the passionate energy of her early novels.
• Gardeners know that etiolated seedlings must be exposed to bright light to recover their strength.