: the normal state of turgidity and tension in living cells
especially
: the distension of the protoplasmic layer and wall of a plant cell by the fluid contents
Examples of turgor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What Causes Excess Skin After Weight Loss? In general, the skin has some degree of elasticity, known as skin turgor.
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Amanda MacMillan, Health, 2 Nov. 2023
Water evaporates, and the cells lose turgor pressure and shrink.
—Science & Food, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2012
The skin turgor test, also known as the skin tent test, is one way to check for dehydration in your dog.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022
Like most mammals, human penises are mostly fleshy, with lots of vascular space for blood to flow into to make the flaccid structure rigid with turgor pressure.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2017
Hudson measures the turgor pressure — basically the water content — of the leaves to determine how much to irrigate before heat spikes hit.
—Chiara Sottile, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2017
Amanda MacMillan, Health, 2 Nov. 2023
Water evaporates, and the cells lose turgor pressure and shrink.
—Science & Food, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2012
The skin turgor test, also known as the skin tent test, is one way to check for dehydration in your dog.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022
Like most mammals, human penises are mostly fleshy, with lots of vascular space for blood to flow into to make the flaccid structure rigid with turgor pressure.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2017
Hudson measures the turgor pressure — basically the water content — of the leaves to determine how much to irrigate before heat spikes hit.
—Chiara Sottile, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turgor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Late Latin, turgidity, swelling, from Latin turgēre
First Known Use
1876, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near turgor
Cite this Entry
“Turgor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turgor. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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