View synonyms for deciduous

deciduous

[ dih-sij-oo-uhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

shedding the leaves annually, as certain trees and shrubs.
falling off or shed at a particular season, stage of growth, etc., as leaves, horns, or teeth.
not permanent; transitory.

deciduous

/ dɪˈsɪdjʊəs /

adjective

(of trees and shrubs) shedding all leaves annually at the end of the growing season and then having a dormant period without leaves Compare evergreen
(of antlers, wings, teeth, etc) being shed at the end of a period of growth
rare.
impermanent; transitory Compare evergreen

deciduous

/ dĭ-sĭj′o̅o̅-əs /

Shedding leaves at the end of a growing season and regrowing them at the beginning of the next growing season. Most deciduous plants bear flowers and have woody stems and broad rather than needlelike leaves. Maples, oaks, elms, and aspens are deciduous.
Compare evergreenSee more at abscission
Falling off or shed at a particular season or stage of growth, as antlers.

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Derived Forms

deˈciduousness, noun
deˈciduously, adverb

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Other Words From

de·cidu·ous·ly adverb
de·cidu·ous·ness noun
nonde·cidu·ous adjective
nonde·cidu·ous·ly adverb
nonde·cidu·ous·ness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of deciduous¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin dēciduus “tending to fall, falling,” equivalent to dēcid(ere) “to fall off, down” ( dē- verb prefix of removal) + -cidere (combining form of cadere “to fall”) + -uus adjective suffix. See de-, -ous

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Word History and Origins

Origin of deciduous¹

C17: from Latin dēciduus falling off, from dēcidere to fall down, from cadere to fall

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Example Sentences

However, they were not seen to venture far into the surrounding deciduous forest.

From Project Gutenberg

Hardwood trees shed their leaves annually, and they are called deciduous trees.

From Project Gutenberg

This is known as the "deciduous" habit, and such trees are called deciduous trees, in distinction from "evergreen" trees.

From Project Gutenberg

It will grow and has been found on almost any deciduous tree, preferring those with soft bark, and growing very seldom on the Oak.

From Project Gutenberg

At any rate, it is the only deciduous tree I know of that does not let go the old seed till the new is well on the way.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

deciduitis deciduous trees and shrubs

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