dehisce

[ dih-his ]

verb (used without object)

, de·hisced, de·hisc·ing.

1. to burst open, as capsules of plants; gape.

dehisce

/ dɪˈhɪs /

verb

1. intr (of fruits, anthers, etc) to burst open spontaneously, releasing seeds, pollen, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of dehisce¹

1650–60; < Latin dēhiscere to gape, part, equivalent to dē- de- + hiscere to gape, yawn ( hi ( āre ) to yawn + -scere inchoative suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of dehisce¹

C17: from Latin dēhiscere to split open, from de- + hiscere to yawn, gape

Example Sentences

Tendrils semi-continuous to semi-intermittent, bifid, dehisce early.

From Project Gutenberg

The name capsule is applied generally to all dry syncarpous fruits, which dehisce by valves.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally, follicles dehisce by the dorsal suture, as in Magnolia grandiflora and Banksia.

From Project Gutenberg

When mature they dehisce by a small opening, and when broken open will disclose the olive or greenish-yellow capillitium.

From Project Gutenberg