also: とうねつびょう
noun
rice blast; rice blight
A fungal disease of rice caused by Pyricularia oryzae; the most common name is いもち病. The term 稲熱病 is an older kanji form.
今年は長雨のせいで、いもち病が広がっている。
This year, because of the long rains, rice blast is spreading.
いもち病に強い品種を開発中だ。
We are developing a variety resistant to rice blast.
Kanji spelling using 稲 (rice plant) and 熱 (fever); the reading とうねつびょう is also recorded but rare.
Alternate reading for the kanji spelling 稲熱病; rarely used.
The term いもち is of uncertain origin; the kanji 稲熱病 literally means 'rice fever disease', reflecting the symptoms.