Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

dehisce

Pronunciation: /dɪˈhɪs/
Definition of dehisce

verb

[no object] technical
  • (of a pod or seed vessel, or a cut or wound) gape or burst open: after the anther lobes dehisce, the pollen is set free

Derivatives

dehiscence

noun

dehiscent

adjective

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Latin dehiscere, from de- 'away' + hiscere 'begin to gape' (from hiare 'gape')

dehisce in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of dehisce in the US English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …