What term refers to the loss of moisture from a plant?

The term that refers to the loss of moisture from a plant is desiccation. This process involves the evaporation of water from plant tissues, which can lead to dehydration and can significantly affect the plant's health and function. When a plant loses moisture rapidly, it may struggle to maintain its physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and nutrient transport, ultimately impacting its growth and survival.

Defoliation refers to the loss of leaves, which can occur due to various factors such as pests, diseases, or environmental stress. While this may indirectly contribute to moisture loss, it is not the specific term for the loss of moisture itself.

Dilution generally pertains to the reduction of concentration of a substance in a solution but does not specifically relate to moisture loss in plants. Drift typically refers to the movement of chemicals, often in a pesticide context, and does not pertain to plant moisture. Thus, desiccation is the most appropriate and accurate term in relation to the loss of moisture from a plant.