definite growth

A form of growth where a maximum size is reached beyond which there is no further increase, i.e. growth is limited. It is seen in annual and biennial plants and in many plant organs, e.g. internodes, which do not continue to lengthen throughout the life of the plant. The term is also used of cymose inflorescences, in which growth is terminated by the production of a terminal flower bud. Compare indefinite growth.