What does turgor mean?
Turgor is the state of being swollen, firm, or distended because fluid or cell contents press outward. The term is especially important in biology: plant cells maintain hydrostatic pressure against their cell walls, and this turgor pressure helps leaves and stems remain firm. When cells lose water and turgor falls, plants wilt. In medicine, a clinician may assess “skin turgor” as an indicator of hydration, since dehydrated skin often feels less elastic. The word is somewhat technical but more precise than “swelling,” which does not necessarily imply firmness or internal pressure. It can therefore describe both a measurable physical condition and the process underlying a visible change, making it useful in discussions of plant physiology, clinical assessment, and the behavior of living tissues.
nounThe state of being swollen, firm, or distended, especially because of fluid beneath the skin or within cells. In plant physiology, it refers to the pressure of cell contents against the cell wall that helps maintain rigidity and growth.
- The state of being swollen, firm, or distended, especially because of fluid beneath the skin or within cells.
- In plant physiology, the pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall that helps maintain rigidity, growth, and leaf position.
- The firmness or elasticity of living tissue, especially skin, as assessed in medicine.
"Dehydration reduces the turgor of the skin, making it less elastic and more easily pinched."
"The clinician assessed the patient's skin turgor during the examination for dehydration."
"A loss of turgor in the leaf cells caused the plant to wilt in the afternoon heat."
The plural is uncommon; turgor is normally used as an uncountable noun, particularly in medical and biological contexts.
"Localized turgors were observed after the procedure."
Turgor is the hidden pressure that keeps plant cells standing tall—and makes wilted leaves droop when it disappears.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turgor come from?
Turgor comes from Latin “turgor,” meaning swelling or distension, which was derived from “turgeo,” “to swell.” It entered English in the early 17th century in a general sense and later became especially important in botanical and medical vocabulary. Its relatives include “turgid,” “turgescent,” and “tumor,” all associated with the same Latin family of words concerning swelling.
Related word forms
How turgor is actually used
The word is formal and chiefly used in medicine, biology, and botany. It is more technical than the general terms “swelling” and “firmness” and may suggest fullness produced by internal pressure or fluid.
Easily confused with turgor
Turgor is a noun naming a swollen or pressure-filled state, whereas turgid is an adjective describing something that is swollen, tense, or enlarged.