Cutinization

/ˌkjuːtɪnaɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

American spelling: the biological process by which plant tissues develop or become covered with cutin, the waxy protective substance.

Etymology

From cutin plus the American suffix -ization (British -isation), meaning 'the process of becoming or being made.' Standard in American botanical and agricultural scientific literature.

Kelly Says

Cutinization is how plants prepare to face the world—as soon as a leaf develops, it starts coating itself in cutin, which is why fresh fruits and vegetables feel slightly waxy compared to their insides!

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