abscisic acid

noun ab·scis·ic acid \ ˌab-ˈsi-zik- , -sik- \

Definition of abscisic acid

: a plant hormone C₁₅H₂₀O₄ that is a sesquiterpene widespread in nature and that typically promotes leaf abscission and dormancy and has an inhibitory effect on cell elongation

Recent Examples of abscisic acid from the Web

The seed has two hormones: abscisic acid (ABA), which sends the signal to stay dormant, and gibberellin (GA), which initiates germination.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Seeds May Use Tiny “Brains” to Decide When to Germinate," 9 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abscisic acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.