turgor

noun

tur·​gor ˈtər-gər How to pronounce turgor (audio)
-ˌgȯr
: 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. 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of turgor was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near turgor

Cite this Entry

“Turgor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turgor. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

turgor

noun
: the normal state of firmness and tension of living cells

Medical Definition

turgor

noun
: the normal state of turgidity and tension in living cells
especially : the rigidity of a plant that is due to the pressure of the cell contents against the cell walls and that is lost or greatly diminished in wilting
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!