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Turgidity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turgidity

[tษœหrหˆdส’ษชdษ™ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biological term

Turgidity refers to the state of being swollen or distended, often as a result of excessive fluid, particularly in biological systems. In plants, turgidity is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and is caused by water pressure within the cell vacuoles pushing against the cell wall. This pressure helps plants stand upright and provides stability to leaves and stems. Turgidity is a vital component in plant physiology, influencing nutrient transport and overall health.

Synonyms

distension, stiffness, swelling.

Examples of usage

  • The turgidity of the plant was evident after it was watered.
  • Without enough water, the leaves lost their turgidity.
  • Observing turgidity can help gauge plant health.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • In plants, turgidity helps maintain structure and support; without it, plants may wilt.
  • Turgor pressure is the pressure of water inside the cell, which is crucial for plant health and growth.
  • Certain cells, like those of jellyfish, can also exhibit turgidity by absorbing water, making them more buoyant.

Everyday Observations

  • You can observe turgidity by looking at fresh vegetables; crisp carrots are turgid, while limp ones are not.
  • Many popular succulents and cacti retain turgidity through specialized water-storing tissues.

Medical Science

  • In human health, turgidity can refer to swelling or fullness in tissues, which may be a sign of inflammation.
  • Skin turgor tests are often used by medical professionals to assess hydration levels in patients.

Art and Aesthetics

  • Artists often depict turgidity in sculptures and paintings to convey liveliness and vibrancy in nature.
  • In literature, turgidity can describe bombastic writing that is overly complex and swollen with fancy words.

Origin of 'turgidity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'turgere', meaning 'to swell' or 'to be swollen'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, originally used to describe physical swelling.

The term 'turgidity' originates from the Latin word 'turgere', which means 'to swell'. The use of this term in a scientific context emerged in the 18th century when botanists began to explore the mechanical properties of plant cells. Initially, it was used primarily to describe the physical state of plants, especially in relation to their ability to retain water for structural support. Over time, the concept of turgidity expanded to include not only the study of plants but also of animal cells and tissues, where swelling can indicate various physiological conditions. Today, turgidity is a fundamental concept in biology, particularly in botany and physiology, illustrating how organisms interact with their environment through fluid dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,022, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.