dehiscent
|de-his-cent|
C2
/dɪˈhɪsənt/
splitting open
Etymology
Etymology Information
'dehiscent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'dehiscere,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'hiscere' meant 'to gape or split open.'
Historical Evolution
'dehiscere' transformed into the French word 'déhiscent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'dehiscent' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to split open,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing a plant structure, such as a seed pod, that splits open to release its contents when ripe.
The dehiscent seed pods of the plant burst open when they are mature.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/25 01:47