Pronunciation: [ɐbsˈɪzɪk] (IPA) 
The word "abscisic" is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" despite its association with the word "abscission". This is because the word originally came from the Greek word "abscis", which was spelled with a "c". The "-ic" suffix is used to indicate that it is an adjective. The phonetic transcription of the word is /æbˈsɪs.ɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "c" is pronounced as /s/ because it is followed by an "i".
Abscisic is an adjective that is derived from the term "abscisic acid," which is a plant hormone. The word "abscisic" refers to the characteristics or properties associated with this acid. Abscisic acid is known to have significant effects on various physiological processes in plants, particularly during periods of stress or unfavorable environmental conditions.
In botanical terms, "abscisic" describes the hormone's ability to regulate seed dormancy and promote seed maturation by inhibiting the growth of seeds. It also plays a crucial role in the closure of stomata, small pores on the surface of leaves, thus reducing water loss through transpiration. This action helps plants conserve water during droughts or other conditions where water is scarce.
Moreover, abscisic acid is involved in maintaining plant dormancy, preventing premature bud sprouting, and promoting the shedding of leaves and fruit. It is also linked to slowing down cell growth and promoting the deposition of storage materials in plants.
In general, the term "abscisic" refers to the various physiological responses and developmental changes induced by abscisic acid within plants. These responses often involve the regulation of plant growth, water conservation, and stress tolerance. Thus, "abscisic" encompasses the complex, multi-faceted effects of this hormone on plant physiology and its adaptation to adverse environmental conditions.
The word "abscisic" is derived from the chemical compound "abscisin" which was originally isolated from plants. The term "abscisin" itself was coined from the Latin word "abscisus", which means "cut off" or "separated". This name was chosen due to the compound's role in abscission, the process by which leaves or fruits are shed from plants. The suffix "-ic" is a common chemical suffix indicating its classification as an acid. Hence, "abscisic" refers to its connection with the process of abscission.
