dehisce

dehisce Definition

de·hisce (dē his′)

intransitive verb -·hisced′, -·hisc′·ing

to split open along definite structural lines, as the seedpods of legumes, lilies, etc.

Etymology: L dehiscere < de-, off + hiscere, to gape, inchoative of hiare: see hiatus

dehisce Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

explosively: Flowers are bunched together, the fruit capsular, dehiscing explosively when mature.

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