abscission
UK: əbˈsɪʒən | US: æbˈsɪʒən
n. the act of cutting off or removing a part, especially in biology (e.g., natural shedding of leaves or fruit).
n. (surgery) the removal of tissue or an organ by cutting.
abscission = abs<away> + sciss<cut> + ion<noun suffix>
- abs (from Latin ab-, meaning "away")
- sciss (from Latin scindere, meaning "to cut")
- ion (noun-forming suffix indicating action or process)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin abscissio, the word combines abs- (separation) and scissio (cutting), reflecting its literal meaning of "cutting away." Originally used in botany to describe leaf or fruit detachment, it later extended to surgical contexts. The morphemes preserve the logical progression: separation (abs) + cutting (sciss) + result (ion).
In autumn, abscission allows trees to shed leaves efficiently.
The surgeon performed an abscission of the damaged tissue.
Botanists study hormonal triggers for abscission in plants.
The fruit’s abscission zone weakens when ripe.
Abnormal abscission can indicate disease in crops.