The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dehiscence \De*his"cence\, n. [Cf. F. d['e]hiscence.]
   1. The act of gaping.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

dehiscence
    n 1: (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