1. to split open along a natural line, especially of plant parts releasing seeds or spores
Usage: botanical; technical
2. to split open or gape, especially of a wound or surgical incision
Usage: medical

Examples

• The seed pods dehisce when ripe to release their contents.
• Poppy capsules dehisce through small pores at the top.
• The surgeon was concerned that the wound might dehisce if not properly sutured.
• Anthers dehisce to release pollen during flowering.
• The surgical incision began to dehisce due to infection.
• Many fruits dehisce naturally to disperse their seeds.