dehiscence

American  

[dih-his-uhns] / dɪˈhɪs əns /

noun

1. Biology. the release of materials by the splitting open of an organ or tissue.

2. Botany. the natural bursting open of capsules, fruits, anthers, etc., for the discharge of their contents.

3. Surgery. the bursting open of a surgically closed wound.

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dehiscence Scientific  

/ dĭ-hĭs′əns /

1. The spontaneous opening at maturity of a plant structure, such as a fruit, anther, or sporangium, to release its contents.

2. Compare indehiscence

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Other Word Forms

• dehiscent adjective
• nondehiscent adjective

Etymology

Origin of dehiscence

1820–30; < New Latin dēhiscentia, equivalent to Latin dēhiscent- stem of dēhiscēns, present participle of dēhiscere ( dehisce ) + -ia; -ence

Example Sentences

If you are squeamish, you might consider skipping the first section of Deborah Copaken’s “Ladyparts,” which describes the bleeding out of her vagina due to a cuff dehiscence.

From New York Times • Aug. 3, 2021

In that condition, called superior semicircular canal dehiscence, an opening in one of the canals of the inner ear causes vertigo and/or auditory disturbances.

From Washington Post • Oct. 5, 2015

Although further testing would be required for confirmation, he suspected she had a rare condition known as superior canal dehiscence syndrome, or SCDS.

From Washington Post

The syndrome results from a dehiscence — a thinning or a hole in the temporal bone, which covers the fluid-filled canal in the inner ear.

From Washington Post

Diagram of septifragal dehiscence of the loculicidal type.

From The Elements of Botany For Beginners and For Schools by Gray, Asa