deciduous

English

WOTD – 24 August 2010

Etymology

From Latin dēciduus (falling down or off), from dēcidō (fall down)

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /dɪˈsɪdʒʊəs/
  • (US) IPA(key): /dɪˈsɪd.ju.əs/, /dəˈsɪd.ju.əs/
  • (file)

Adjective

deciduous (not comparable)

  1. (biology, anatomy) Describing a part that falls off, or is shed, at a particular time or stage of development.
  2. (botany) Of or pertaining to trees which lose their leaves in winter or the dry season.
  3. Transitory, ephemeral, not lasting.

Antonyms

Derived terms

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Further reading

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