1. the natural separation and falling off of leaves, flowers, or fruit from a plant.
Usage: common in botany and horticulture
2. the act of cutting off or removing something by surgical means.
Usage: medical/surgical context

Examples

• The abscission of leaves in autumn is triggered by shorter daylight hours.
• Trees undergo abscission to conserve water during winter months.
• The gardener observed early abscission of the fruit due to drought stress.
• In medicine, abscission may be performed to remove damaged tissue.
• Abscission layers form at the base of the petiole before leaves fall.
• The plant's abscission of flowers prevented seed development this season.