1. The process or result of a plant becoming pale, weak, and elongated due to lack of light; the condition of being etiolated.
Usage: Primarily used in botany and horticulture; Plural form of etiolation
2. A state of weakness, paleness, or decline, especially in a person or institution.
Usage: Figurative or literary use; Less common than the botanical sense

Examples

• The seedlings showed signs of etiolations after being kept in darkness for too long.
• Gardeners must prevent etiolations by providing adequate light to indoor plants.
• The etiolations of the plant were reversed once it was moved to a sunny windowsill.
• Without sufficient sunlight, the bean sprouts developed etiolations and became spindly.
• The cultural etiolations of the once-vibrant community were evident in its declining institutions.