apical dominance

noun

: inhibition of the growth of lateral buds by the terminal bud of a shoot

Examples of apical dominance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Roses are subject to a growth phenomenon called apical dominance. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2022 Trained to grow horizontally, the top buds on climbing and rambling roses lose their apical dominance and send out lateral growth, resulting in more blooms. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apical dominance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apical dominance was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near apical dominance

Cite this Entry

“Apical dominance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apical%20dominance. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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