deciduous
What does "deciduous" mean?
The word "deciduous" refers to trees or shrubs that shed their leaves annually, usually in the autumn, before entering a dormant period. The mental image is of a forest floor blanketed in colorful, fallen leaves as the trees prepare for winter by conserving energy. In common usage, it is often contrasted with "evergreen." While primarily used in botany, it is also applied to other biological parts that fall off after a certain period, such as "deciduous teeth," which are the primary or "baby" teeth that fall out to make room for permanent ones.
"deciduous" in conversation
Discussing tree types
Should we plant maples or pines in the front yard?
Should we plant maples or pines in the front yard?
Maples are deciduous, so you'll have a beautiful color change in fall, but you'll have to rake leaves.
Maples are deciduous, so you'll have a beautiful color change in fall, but you'll have to rake leaves.
Highlights the seasonal aspect of deciduous trees.
At the dentist
Don't worry, these are just your deciduous teeth; the adult ones will come in soon.
Don't worry, these are just your deciduous teeth; the adult ones will come in soon.
So they’re just temporary?
So they’re just temporary?
Shows the secondary usage of the word in a biological context.
"deciduous" in a sentence
Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter.
Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter.
The forest is dominated by deciduous species that turn vibrant shades of gold and red.
The forest is dominated by deciduous species that turn vibrant shades of gold and red.
Children typically begin to lose their deciduous dentition around the age of six.
Children typically begin to lose their deciduous dentition around the age of six.
