Pronunciation: [tˈɜːɡə] (IPA) 
Turgor is a word that describes the physical state of a plant cell. It refers to the stiffness or rigidity of a cell due to water pressure. The spelling of turgor can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as tʌrgər. The first syllable, tʌr, is pronounced like the word "turret". The second syllable, gər, sounds like "germ" without the "m". Remembering the IPA symbols will help you spell and pronounce turgor correctly.
Turgor is a term used in biology to describe the state of fullness or firmness that occurs in plant cells as a result of water pressure inside the cell pushing against the cell wall. The word originates from the Latin word "turgere," meaning "to swell."
In plants, turgor is crucial for maintaining their structure, shape, and overall health. When water enters a plant cell, it accumulates in the central vacuole, exerting pressure against the cell wall. This pressure creates a firmness that keeps the plant upright and prevents wilting or collapsing. Turgor also aids in various cellular processes such as nutrient absorption and transportation of materials within the plant.
The level of turgor in a plant cell can change depending on environmental conditions, including water availability. When water is scarce or lost due to drought or other factors, turgor pressure decreases, causing the cell to shrink and leading to symptoms of wilting. Conversely, when water is readily available, the turgor pressure increases, resulting in a rigid and erect state.
Turgidity is a physical indicator of a plant's overall hydration status, providing information about its health and water balance. It is often used by researchers and horticulturists to assess the water needs of plants and to evaluate their response to various environmental conditions. Overall, turgor plays a vital role in plant growth, development, and survival, enabling them to withstand and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Fulness.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word turgor comes from the Latin word turgor, which means swelling or fullness. It is derived from the verb turgere, meaning to swell or to be full.
