caducous

adjective

ca·​du·​cous kə-ˈdü-kəs How to pronounce caducous (audio)
-ˈdyü-
: falling off easily or before the usual time
—used especially of floral organs

Word History

Etymology

Latin cadūcus "on the verge of collapsing, ready to fall (of fruit), transitory" (from cadere "to fall" + -ūcus "performing the action [of the verb specified]") + -ous — more at chance entry 1

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caducous was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near caducous

caducity

caducous

Caduveo

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Caducous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caducous. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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