apical dominance

noun

, Botany.

1. suppression of the development of lateral buds in a growing plant shoot, caused by hormones produced in the tip of the shoot.

apical dominance

/ ā′pĭ-kəl,ăp′ĭ- /

1. Inhibition of the growth of lateral buds by the terminal bud of a plant shoot. In most plants, apical dominance results from the release of auxin by the apical meristem.

Word History and Origins

Origin of apical dominance¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

“Apical dominance” is the tendency for the uppermost shoots on any plant to grow strongest.

From Washington Times

Once this trunk-to-be grew just above the top of the 3-foot-high fence, I cut its top back to the 3-foot height, releasing the remaining buds from the suppressing effect of apical dominance.

From Washington Times

The arms, because of their horizontal orientation, exhibit little apical dominance, so side branches develop freely.

From Washington Times

The plant also has a say in this, and may turn a growing stem upwards in an attempt to gain apical dominance over other stems.

From Washington Times