deciduous
UK: dɪˈsɪdʒ.u.əs | US: dɪˈsɪdʒ.u.əs
adj. (of a tree or shrub) shedding leaves annually
adj. (biology) falling off or shed at a particular stage of development
adj. (figurative) transient or impermanent
The word deciduous traces back to Latin decidere, which literally means "to fall down." This reflects the biological trait of trees or leaves that fall off seasonally. The suffix -uous transforms the verb into an adjective, describing the characteristic of shedding. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe anything transient or temporary.
Maple trees are deciduous, losing their leaves in autumn.
The deciduous teeth of children are replaced by permanent ones.
The artist captured the beauty of a deciduous forest in winter.
Many animals rely on deciduous plants for seasonal food sources.
Her happiness felt deciduous, fading as quickly as it came.