guttation

noun

gut·​ta·​tion ˌgə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce guttation (audio)
: the exudation of liquid water from the uninjured surface of a plant leaf

Examples of guttation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though guttation is a common occurrence on these fruiting bodies, the bright red droplets eventually dry up and turn more brown colored. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2024 Its signature gooey red liquid is a sap-like substance that oozes out during a process called guttation when the fungi releases excess moisture from its fruiting body. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 31 Oct. 2024 This tooth fungus excretes red liquid much like sap in a process called guttation, when the fungus absorbs extra water from wet soil. National Geographic, 31 July 2017

Word History

Etymology

Latin gutta drop

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guttation was circa 1889

Dictionary Entries Near guttation

Cite this Entry

“Guttation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guttation. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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