dehisce

[dih-his]

verb (used without object)

dehisced, dehiscing 

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

The stamens are very numerous, and are spirally arranged; and the carpels are variable in number, sessile or stipitate and slightly united at the base and dehisce by ventral suture.

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Fruit dehiscing irregularly, the pericarp thin, loose and usually roughened; not salt-marsh plants.

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It has been noted with respect to the nectar of the fuchsia that it is most abundant when the anthers are about to dehisce, and absent in the unexpanded flower.

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Follicle, a pod formed from a single pistil, dehiscing along the ventral suture only.

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

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