caducous

[kuh-dyoo-kuhs]

caducous Definition

• 1. (of a part of an organism) falling off or shedding at an early stage of development
• 2. ephemeral; transitory

Using caducous: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "caducous" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The caducous leaves of the tree were shed in autumn.

• Example

  The tadpole's tail is a caducous structure that is lost during metamorphosis.

• Example

  The company's initial success was caducous, and it soon went bankrupt.

• Example

  The politician's popularity was caducous, and he lost the election.

caducous Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for caducous

• fleeting
• evanescent
• transient
• ephemeral
• fugacious

Antonyms for caducous

• permanent
• enduring
• lasting

Phrases with caducous

• caducous tooth

  a temporary tooth in young mammals that is replaced by a permanent tooth

  Example

  The baby's first tooth was a caducous tooth that fell out when she was six years old.

• caducous calyx

  a calyx (the sepals of a flower) that falls off before the flower opens

  Example

  The caducous calyx of the poppy flower is shed as the petals open.

• caducous flag

  a flag that is flown only temporarily, such as for a special occasion or event

  Example

  The caducous flag of the Olympics is raised and lowered only during the games.

Origins of caducous

from Latin 'caducus', meaning 'liable to fall' or 'falling off'

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Summary: caducous in Brief

The term 'caducous' [kuh-dyoo-kuhs] describes a part of an organism that falls off or sheds at an early stage of development, or something that is ephemeral or transitory. Examples include the caducous leaves of a tree, the tadpole's tail, and the company's initial success. The term also extends to phrases like 'caducous tooth,' which refers to a temporary tooth in young mammals that is replaced by a permanent tooth.