How Do You Spell CADUCOUS?

Pronunciation: [kadjˈuːkəs] (IPA)

The word "caducous" is spelled as /kəˈdjuːkəs/. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to break down the pronunciation of the word, which can sometimes be confusing just by looking at the letters. "Caducous" is an adjective that refers to a part of a plant that falls off early, such as a leaf, or an organ that falls off after achieving its function. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of this word can help in botany and other scientific fields.

CADUCOUS Meaning and Definition

1. The term "caducous" is an adjective used to describe something that is temporary, ephemeral, or subject to being shed or dropped off. This term originates from the Latin word "caducus," which means "liable to fall" or "subject to decay."

   In the biological context, "caducous" refers to parts of a plant or animal that naturally wither, decay, or fall off at a certain stage of development. This may include leaves, petals, or other structures that have fulfilled their purpose and are no longer needed. For instance, deciduous trees shed their leaves in the autumn, an example of caducous foliage. Similarly, some species of butterflies have caducous scales on their wings that are lost during flight.

   In a more general sense, "caducous" can also describe anything that is transient or quickly passing. It is often used to characterize certain characteristics, traits, or temporary conditions that change over time. For example, a caducous relationship may refer to a romantic liaison that fades away or dissolves after a short period. Similarly, a caducous political ideology may indicate a belief system that is easily abandoned or disregarded.

   In summary, "caducous" refers to something temporary, fleeting, or prone to shedding or falling off. It is a term commonly used in biology, but can also be applied to various aspects of human experiences and natural phenomena.

2. Deciduous; in botany, falling early, noting the sepals or petals which fall before or at the time of flowering.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Falling early, as a leaf; having a tendency to fall off.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CADUCOUS

• xaducous
• vaducous
• faducous
• daducous
• czducous
• csducous
• cwducous
• cqducous
• casucous
• caxucous
• cacucous
• cafucous
• carucous
• caeucous
• cadycous
• cadhcous
• cadjcous
• cadicous
• cad8cous

Etymology of CADUCOUS

The word "caducous" comes from the Latin term "caducus", meaning "falling" or "decaying". It is derived from the verb "cadere", which means "to fall". In English, "caducous" describes something that is transient, temporary, or liable to fall or shed, often used in biological contexts to describe structures that are shed or dropped at a certain stage of development.

Similar spelling words for CADUCOUS

• caduceus,
• caoutchouc.