dehiscence

De*his"cence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. déhiscence.] 1. The act of gaping. 2. (Biol.) Defn: A gaping or bursting open along a definite line of attachment or suture, without tearing, as in the opening of pods, or the bursting of capsules at maturity so as to emit seeds, etc.; also, the bursting open of follicles, as in the ovaries of animals, for the expulsion of their contents.

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