%dehiscence%

n. [ Cf. F. déhiscence. ] 1. The act of gaping. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]