apical dominance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “apical dominance” mean?
The inhibitory effect of a plant's terminal bud (apex) on the growth of lateral buds below it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The inhibitory effect of a plant's terminal bud (apex) on the growth of lateral buds below it.
In a broader sense, any hierarchical control system where a primary, central point suppresses the development or activity of subordinate points. Sometimes used metaphorically in social or organizational contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. The concept and terminology are identical. Pronunciation may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with identical, very low frequency, confined almost exclusively to botany and horticulture texts/courses in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “apical dominance” in a Sentence
The [Plant Species] exhibits/breaks apical dominance.Apical dominance is maintained by [Hormone/Auxin].[Pruning/Decapitation] releases apical dominance, leading to [Result].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apical dominance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The central shoot apical**ly dominates** the lateral buds.
- This cultivar apical**ly dominates** less strongly.
American English
- The central shoot apical**ly dominates** the lateral buds.
- This hybrid apical**ly dominates** less aggressively.
adverb
British English
- The plant grew apical-dominantly, forming a single tall stem.
American English
- The plant grew apical-dominantly, resulting in a classic Christmas tree shape.
adjective
British English
- The plant displayed a strong apical-dominant growth habit.
- The apical-dominant effect was clearly visible.
American English
- The tree exhibited a strong apical-dominant growth pattern.
- Researchers measured the apical-dominant response.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically, could describe a top-heavy management structure where central leadership stifles initiative in subsidiary departments. (Highly specialised metaphorical use.)
Academic
Core usage. Found in botany, plant physiology, horticulture, and agriculture textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A gardener might refer to the 'pruning principle' or 'pinching out the tip' instead.
Technical
The primary context. Used precisely to describe the physiological mechanism controlled by auxin hormones.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apical dominance”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apical dominance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apical dominance”
- Misspelling as 'apical domin**a**nce'.
- Confusing it with 'root dominance' or other forms of plant growth regulation.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'strict control' outside of botanical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its strength varies. Some plants, like many conifers, exhibit strong apical dominance (single leader), while others, like shrubs, show weak apical dominance and branch readily.
It is crucial for pruning, shaping plants (topiary, bonsai), improving crop yields (e.g., in tomatoes), and managing tree structure in forestry and orchards.
Typically, a new bud will assume the role of the apical bud and begin producing auxin, re-establishing dominance, though the plant's form may be permanently altered.
Primarily, but the concept can extend. A dominant lateral branch can exert 'apical-like' dominance over buds beneath it on that same branch.
The inhibitory effect of a plant's terminal bud (apex) on the growth of lateral buds below it.
Apical dominance is usually technical/scientific in register.
Apical dominance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪ.pɪ.kəl ˈdɒm.ɪ.nəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈeɪ.pɪ.kəl ˈdɑː.mə.nəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a king (APEX/APICAL) DOMINATING his subjects (the lower buds), preventing them from rising up (growing).
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS VERTICAL SUPPRESSION; THE LEADER/HEAD SUPPRESSES SUBORDINATES.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary physiological cause of apical dominance?