abscise
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /æbˈsaɪz/
KK: /æbˈsaɪz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To separate or cut off a part from a whole, often referring to the natural process of shedding or falling away.
Example
The plant will abscise its leaves in the fall.
Tense Forms
Past: abscised
Past Participle: abscised
Conversation
Did you know that some plants abscise their leaves in the fall?
Yeah, it's interesting how nature works like that.
I think it's a smart way for them to conserve energy during winter.
Absolutely! It’s like they know when to let go.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shed
Antonyms
grow
transitive verb
Definition
To cut something off or remove it completely.
Example
The surgeon had to abscise the damaged tissue during the operation.
Tense Forms
Past: abscised
Past Participle: abscised
Conversation
Have you ever had to abscise a part of your garden?
Yeah, I had to remove some dead branches last year.
I was thinking of doing the same; they're taking up too much space.
Root Explanation
Abscise is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "caedere" (meaning to cut). The word describes the act of cutting away or removing something.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cutting away' something — 'ab-' means away, and 'caedere' means to cut.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.