dehiscence

(-hisəns)

noun

a splitting open, as of a pod or anther, along definite structural lines

Origin: L dehiscens, prp. of dehiscere: see dehisce

Related Forms:

See dehiscence in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. Botany The spontaneous opening at maturity of a plant structure, such as a fruit, anther, or sporangium, to release its contents.
  2. Medicine A rupture or splitting open, as of a surgical wound, or of an organ or structure to discharge its contents.

Related Forms:

  • de·hisˈcent adjective

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