dehiscence noun. [dɪ'hɪs(ǝ)ns] E19.
[mod. Latin dehiscentia, from Latin dehiscent- pres. ppl stem of dehiscere: see DEHISCE, -ENCE.]
Gaping, opening by divergence of parts (chiefly Anatomy & Physiology); in Botany, the bursting open of seed-vessels etc. in order to discharge their mature contents.

■ dehiscent adjective gaping open; Botany (of a seed-vessel etc.) bursting open when ripe: M17.

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