gibberellin

noun

gib·​ber·​el·​lin ˌji-bə-ˈre-lən 

: any of several growth-regulating plant hormones that promote cell elongation and activity of the cambium, induce parthenocarpy, and stimulate synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins

Examples of gibberellin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When temperature, light, moisture, and other environmental conditions are right for that seed, hormones like gibberellin and abscisic acid (ABA) will shift in balance and germination will occur. —Dr. Nick Goltz, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025

Researchers have worked out that such seeds resist germination by maintaining a certain balance of two plant hormones—abscisic acid and gibberellin—inside the seed. —Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025

Powdered Kelp Meal: Another all-natural powerhouse, this powder increases natural plant growth hormones such as auxins, cytokines, and gibberellins (aka: powerful plant hormones). —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023

The seed has two hormones: abscisic acid (ABA), which sends the signal to stay dormant, and gibberellin (GA), which initiates germination. —Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 9 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Gibberella fujikoroi, fungus from which it was first isolated

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gibberellin

• endothelin
• watermelon
• felon
• melon
• snellen
• tellin
• muskmelon

Kids Definition

gibberellin

noun

gib·​ber·​el·​lin ˌjib-ə-ˈrel-ən 

: any of several chemical substances that regulate the growth of plants