Definition

The process where a plant part or structure opens up on its own to release its contents, or the splitting open of a wound or organ in medicine.

Example

The dehiscence of the seed pod allowed the seeds to scatter in the wind.

Conversation

I was reading about plants and came across the term dehiscence.

Oh really? What does it mean?

It refers to how some plants open up to release their seeds or pollen, like a natural bursting.

That's fascinating! Nature has such interesting ways of spreading life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dehiscence is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "hiscere" (from Latin, meaning to split or gape). The term describes the process of splitting open, particularly in botanical contexts where fruits or pods open to release seeds.

Memory Tip

Think of something 'splitting open' ('hiscere') and going 'away' ('de-') — that's what dehiscence means.

Visually Confused Words