abscise

Cut off cleanly

To abscise is to cut off or separate, used almost exclusively in biology for the natural detachment of plant parts.

Leaves abscise in autumn; flowers abscise after pollination.

The noun is abscission.

The damaged branch will abscise on its own.

sever

detach

To separate from

separateTo set apart
disconnectTo break a connection
disjoinTo separate joined things

excise · remove · cut · part · disengage · isolate · disunite · truncate · amputate · extricate

botanical

senescence

Gradual functional decline with age

deciduousSheds foliage seasonally
petioleA leaf's supporting stem
auxinPlant growth hormone

ethylene · defoliation · leaf-fall · chlorophyll · stomata · meristem · vascular · cambium · xylem · phloem

shedding

leaves

Tree's photosynthetic organs

autumnPost-summer cooling period
fallingMoving downward freely
droppingLetting something fall

yellowing · wilt · decay · seasonal · cycle · transience · ephemeral · defoliation · mulch · compost

Opposites

attachment/separation

absciseattach

Join or connect

adhere · graft · join · fuse · bond

method of separation

abscisetear

To pull apart

rip · break · rupture · rend · shatter

Family

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Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G