To cut off or separate by cutting, especially in botanical contexts referring to natural separation of plant parts.
From Latin 'abscisus' (past participle of 'abscindere'), the variant form that entered English and scientific nomenclature, particularly in botany.
When trees 'abscise' their leaves in autumn, they're actually performing molecular surgery—special enzymes weaken the connection until a breeze separates the leaf; it's not just dropping, it's controlled letting-go.
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