The word "deciduous" is spelled with "d-e-c-i-d-u-o-u-s". The first syllable "de" is pronounced as /dɪ/, followed by "cid" pronounced as /sɪd/. Then comes "u" as /u/ and "ous" as /əs/. This word refers to trees or shrubs that shed their leaves annually, such as maples and oaks. The spelling may seem complex, but it simply comes from the Latin root "decidere" which means "to fall off." So the next time you see a tree shedding its leaves, remember the spelling of "deciduous."
Deciduous is an adjective used to describe plants or trees that shed their leaves annually, typically during autumn. This shedding process occurs as a protective mechanism against harsh weather conditions such as cold winters or dry seasons. Deciduous plants go through a cycle known as abscission, in which their leaves detach from the branches and fall to the ground.
The term deciduous is derived from the Latin word "deciduus," which means "falling off" or "to fall." Deciduous trees are characterized by their broad leaves, which capture sunlight for photosynthesis during the growing season. However, as winter approaches and the days become shorter, the chlorophyll in these leaves begins to break down, revealing the underlying pigments such as red, yellow, or orange. This change in color is often associated with the picturesque landscapes of autumn.
Deciduous plants are found in various regions worldwide, including temperate and tropical climates. Common examples of deciduous trees are maple, oak, birch, and beech trees. In addition to their annual leaf shedding, deciduous plants also experience a period of dormancy during winter, conserving energy and resources until the arrival of more favorable conditions in spring.
The opposite of deciduous is "evergreen," referring to plants that retain their leaves year-round. Understanding the differences between deciduous and evergreen plants is crucial for gardening, landscaping, and ecological studies.
That which eventually falls off, not permanent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Liable to fall; not perennial or permanent; that falls in autumn.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "deciduous" originated from the Latin term "deciduus", which is derived from the verb "decidere". "Decidere" is a combination of "de-" meaning "down" and "cadere" meaning "to fall". Therefore, the etymology of "deciduous" points to the idea of falling down, which refers to the characteristic of deciduous plants that shed their leaves in autumn or in response to adverse conditions.