dehiscence
Americannoun
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Biology. the release of materials by the splitting open of an organ or tissue.
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Botany. the natural bursting open of capsules, fruits, anthers, etc., for the discharge of their contents.
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Surgery. the bursting open of a surgically closed wound.
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The spontaneous opening at maturity of a plant structure, such as a fruit, anther, or sporangium, to release its contents.
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Compare indehiscence
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dehiscence
1820–30; < New Latin dēhiscentia, equivalent to Latin dēhiscent- stem of dēhiscēns, present participle of dēhiscere ( see dehisce) + -ia; see -ence
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
In loculicidal dehiscence the valves naturally bear the partitions on their middle; in the septicidal, half the thickness of a partition is borne on the margin of each valve.
From The Elements of Botany For Beginners and For Schools by Asa Gray
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