abscission layer

American  

noun

Botany.

1. the layer of specialized, cutinized parenchyma cells that develops in the abscission zone, the disintegration of which causes abscission.

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abscission layer British  

noun

1. a layer of parenchyma cells that is formed at the bases of fruits, flowers, and leaves before abscission. As the parenchyma disintegrates, the organ becomes separated from the plant

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Etymology

Origin of abscission layer

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The tree produces less of a chemical called auxin, and that drop in auxin contributes to a weakening of tissue at the leaf stem’s base, creating what’s known as an abscission layer.

From Slate • Dec. 5, 2023