Word
deciduous
Phoneticsde·cid·u·ous, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌdɪˈsɪdʒuəs/
UK/dɪsˈɪdjuːəs/
Definition
adj. describing a tree or bush that loses its leaves every year, usually in the autumn. It can also describe things that fall off naturally, like baby teeth.
adj. shedding leaves annually at the end of the growing season. In a broader biological sense, refers to parts that are shed at a particular stage of development, such as primary teeth or antlers.
Examples
“Oak and maple are common deciduous trees.”
“In the autumn, the deciduous forest transforms into a vibrant display of red and gold before the leaves fall.”
“The evolutionary advantage of deciduous behavior lies in the plant's ability to conserve water and energy during harsh winter months when photosynthesis would be inefficient.”
Examples
simple
“Oak and maple are common deciduous trees.”
contextual
“In the autumn, the deciduous forest transforms into a vibrant display of red and gold before the leaves fall.”
complex
“The evolutionary advantage of deciduous behavior lies in the plant's ability to conserve water and energy during harsh winter months when photosynthesis would be inefficient.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'forest', 'tree', or 'teeth'.
Real-World Examples
“The Mountain West's only dominant deciduous tree species, aspens grow in clonal stands where all the individuals are genetically identical.” “In addition, ecosystems are likely to be increasingly dominated by deciduous tree cover as spruce species are pushed out by fire.” “Typically peaks in late September, with red and yellow from varied deciduous trees.” Etymology
From Latin dēciduus (“falling down or off”), from dēcidō (“to fall down”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/deciduous