Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dehiscence \De*his"cence\, n. [Cf. F. d['e]hiscence.]
   1. The act of gaping.

   2. (Biol.) A gaping or bursting open along a definite line of
      attachment or suture, without tearing, as in the opening
      of pods, or the bursting of capsules at maturity so as to
      emit seeds, etc.; also, the bursting open of follicles, as
      in the ovaries of animals, for the expulsion of their
      contents.

Source : WordNet®

dehiscence
     n : (biology) release of material by splitting open of an organ
         or tissue; the natural bursting open at maturity of a
         fruit or other reproductive body to release seeds or
         spores or the bursting open of a surgically closed wound