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

Full sun Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy Soil pH: Slightly acidic (6.0-7.0) This woody deciduous shrub with a strong lemon scent can reach 4 to 5 feet tall and wide in warm climates. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 July 2024

Landscaping: Energy Saver suggests planting deciduous trees with high, spreading crowns on the south side of your home to shade your roof in the summer and allow warmth from the sun to reach your home in the winter. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 2 July 2024

Originating from the temperate deciduous forests of Eurasia, the little bird is now common in boreal coniferous forests at northern latitudes. —Anders Brodin, Scientific American, 25 June 2024

Experts recommend planning deciduous trees — which shed their leaves in the winter — in south-facing areas of the home to both block heat in the summer and let it in on colder winter days. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 25 June 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