abscisic acid

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

Examples of abscisic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The older trees had lower levels of a growth hormone called indole-3-acetic acid and higher levels of a growth-inhibiting hormone called abscisic acid. — Erin Malsbury, Science | AAAS, "How the Ginkgo biloba achieves near-immortality," 13 Jan. 2020 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.

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Cite this Entry

“Abscisic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abscisic%20acid. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.