The pressure exerted by water against the cell wall in plant cells, providing structural support and maintaining cell shape. This internal water pressure keeps plants rigid and upright, and its loss causes wilting.
From Latin 'turgere' meaning 'to swell' and 'premere' meaning 'to press.' The term was introduced in the late 19th century as botanists began to understand how water pressure within cells provides mechanical support to plants.
Turgor pressure is why a balloon animal stays rigid - but with water instead of air! Plants are essentially living water balloons, and when they lose turgor pressure, they deflate and wilt just like a balloon with a slow leak.
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