deciduous
adjUK /dɪˈsɪd͡ʒ.ʊ.əs/ · US /dɪˈsɪd͡ʒ.u.əs/
Etymology Learned borrowing from Latin dēciduus (“falling down or off”), from dēcidō (“to fall down or off”) + -uus.
1
Anatomy, Biology, Medicine, Natural sciences, Sciences Describing a part that falls off, or is shed, at a particular time or stage of development.
- In the Hippoidea there is generally the full series of 44 teeth, but the first premolar is often deciduous or wanting in the lower or in both jaws.1911, Richard Lydekker, 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Equidae:
2
Biology, Botany, Natural sciences Of or pertaining to trees which lose their leaves in winter or the dry season.
- . Compare caducous.
- a deciduous tree
1 more example
- A light breeze causes the naked branches overhead to rattle like wooden windchimes. This is a popular retreat for couples in the summer. The deciduous trees provide a beautiful green canopy, far out of sight of teachers and fellow students. But now, in late winter, it feels like I'm standing under a pile of kindling.2012, Four Leaf Studios, “Prologue”, in Katawa Shoujo:
3
Figuratively Transitory, ephemeral, not lasting.