turgescent

[ tur-jes-uhnt ]

adjective

1. becoming swollen; swelling.

turgescent

/ tɜːˈdʒɛsənt /

adjective

1. becoming or being swollen; inflated; tumid

Derived Forms

• turˈgescence, noun

Other Words From

• tur·gescence tur·gescen·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of turgescent¹

1720–30; < Latin turgēscent- (stem of turgēscēns ), present participle of turgēscere to begin to swell, equivalent to turg ( ēre ) to swell + -ēscent- -escent

Example Sentences

Caesalpinia, Calliandra and other trees in the tropics, which are called rain trees owing to the numerous drops of fluid which drip from the leaves under the abnormally turgescent conditions referred to.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition to the limit thus imposed upon the cytoplasmic area which can be effectually controlled by the nucleus, and the necessity for a minimum surface area to the protoplasmic mass, the advantages of the more or less complete subdivision of the living substance into—as far as their metabolism is concerned—semi-autonomous units, is indicated by the mechanical support derived from the specialized cell walls and turgescent cells of the plant, and the intercellular secretions of the animal tissues.

From Project Gutenberg

The function of the nodes is to raise again culms which have become bent down; they are composed of highly turgescent tissue, the cells of which elongate on the side next the earth when the culm is placed in a horizontal or oblique position, and thus raise the culm again to an erect position.

From Project Gutenberg

Consequently water has a tendency to penetrate the cellular walls of plants, to distend the cells and render them turgescent.

From Project Gutenberg

When immersed in a hypertonic solution, it retracts; in a slightly hypotonic solution it absorbs water and becomes turgescent, while in a very hypotonic solution it swells up and bursts.

From Project Gutenberg