‖ auxesis Rhet.
(ɔːkˈsiːsɪs)
[L., a. Gr. αὔξησις increase, amplification, f. αὐξ-άν-ειν to increase.]
1. Amplification: † a. A gradual increase in intensity of meaning. Obs. b. Hyperbole.
| 1577 H. Peacham Gard. Eloq. N. iiij (T.) By this figure, auxesis, the orator doth make a low dwarf a tall fellow..of pebble stones, pearls; and of thistles, mighty oaks. 1589 Puttenham Eng. Poesie (Arb.) 226 Auxesis, or the Auancer..as ..He lost besides his children and his vvife, His realme, renovvne, liege, libertie and life. 1657 J. Smith Myst. Rhet. 55 Auxesis, when we increase or advance the signification of a speech. 1751 Chambers Cycl., Auxesis, a figure whereby any thing is magnified too much. |
2. Biol., Plant Physiol. (See quots.)
| 1848 Dunglison Dict. Med. Sci. (ed. 7) 96/2 Auxesis, augmentation, increase. 1900 B. D. Jackson Gloss. Bot. Terms 28/1 Auxesis, (1) dilatation or increase in the valves of Diatoms, etc.; (2) new formation of organs (Czapek); (3) predominance of leaves, hairs, etc., on a particular side (Pfeffer). 1903 A. J. Ewart tr. Pfeffer's Physiol. of Plants II. 73 The term ‘auxesis’ (photoauxesis) may be used to denote the predominant formation of leaves, roots, or hairs upon a particular side. 1940 Nature 9 Nov. 618/1 Botanists do still distinguish between auxesis or growth by expansion, and merisis or growth by cell-multiplication. 1953 Faber Med. Dict. 53/1 Auxesis, increase in size by cell expansion without cell division. |