deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsi-jə-wəs 

-jü-əs

1

biology : falling off or shed seasonally or at a certain stage of development in the life cycle

deciduous leaves

deciduous scales

2

biology

a

: having deciduous parts

maples, birches, and other deciduous trees

deciduous dentition

b

: having the dominant plants deciduous

a deciduous forest

3

: ephemeral

There is much that is deciduous in books …

—J. R. Lowell

deciduousness noun

Synonyms

• brief
• ephemeral
• evanescent
• flash
• fleeting
• fugacious
• fugitive
• impermanent
• momentary
• passing
• short-lived
• temporary
• transient
• transitory

Examples of deciduous in a Sentence

the bare branches of a deciduous tree in winter

he chose not to fret about the deciduous discomforts of his existence

Recent Examples on the Web

Leaves that cling to deciduous trees, or rustle in heaps at their trunks, make do with subtle shades of brown. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Nov. 2024

For those who have very large properties (5-plus acres) with a large quantity of deciduous trees that drop a lot of leaves, walk-behind blowers are great machines, says Daly. —Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024

This is especially advantageous for deciduous trees and shrubs, which divert energy away from foliage to concentrate on underground growth. —Tammy Sons, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Located in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the park is home to around 100 species of native trees, most of which are deciduous. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin deciduus, from decidere to fall off, from de- + cadere to fall — more at chance

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deciduous

• deciduous tooth

Kids Definition

deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsij-ə-wəs 

1

: falling off (as at the end of a growing period or stage of development)

antlers are deciduous

deciduous leaves

2

: having deciduous parts or members with deciduous parts

deciduous trees

a deciduous forest

Medical Definition

deciduous

adjective

de·​cid·​u·​ous di-ˈsij-ə-wəs 

1

: falling off or shed at a certain stage in the life cycle

2

: having deciduous parts

a deciduous dentition