\De*his"cence\, n. [Cf. F. d['e]hiscence.]
1. The act of gaping.
2. (Biol.) A gaping or bursting open along a definite line of
   attachment or suture, without tearing, as in the opening
   of pods, or the bursting of capsules at maturity so as to
   emit seeds, etc.; also, the bursting open of follicles, as
   in the ovaries of animals, for the expulsion of their
   contents.