abscisic acid

[ ab-sis-ik, -siz- ]
/ æbˈsɪs ɪk, -ˈsɪz- /

noun Biochemistry.

a growth-regulating plant hormone, C15H20O4, that promotes dormancy and the aging and abscission of leaves.

Origin of abscisic acid

abscis(sion) + -ic, on the model of the earlier name abscisin (see -in2), coined in 1961

Scientific definitions for abscisic acid

abscisic acid
[ ăb-sĭzĭk ]

A plant hormone that maintains the water balance of plants, prevents seed embryos from germinating, and induces the dormancy of buds and seeds. Chemical formula: C15H20O4.