— deciduously , adv. — deciduousness , n.
/di sij"ooh euhs/ , adj.
1. shedding the leaves annually, as certain trees and shrubs.
2. falling off or shed at a particular season, stage of growth, etc., as leaves, horns, or teeth.
3. not permanent; transitory.
[ 1650-60; deciduus tending to fall, falling, equiv. to decid ( ere ) to fall off, down ( de- DE- + -cidere, comb. form of cadere to fall) + -uus deverbal adj. suffix; see -OUS ]