abscission zone

noun

: the zone in a leaf petiole, fruit stalk, or branch often marked by a constriction within which is developed the separation layer, the vascular bundles in the zone usually being reduced in diameter, the sclerenchyma being weak or absent, the collenchyma lacking, and the cytoplasm of some of the parenchyma cells being denser than in adjacent cells

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abscission zone was in 1904

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near abscission zone

Cite this Entry

“Abscission zone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abscission%20zone. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!