caducous

adj.
Dropping off or shedding at an early stage of development, as the gills of most amphibians or the sepals or stipules of certain plants.

[From Latin cadūcus, falling, from cadere, to fall.]

[fr. L caducus < cadere, to fall]   /kuh DYU kus/
1) falling off easily or before the usual time
2) Law  subject to caducity: lapsed

IN BRIEF: adj. - Shed at an early stage of development.

Tutor's tip: The doctor thought of the "caduceus" (rod of Hermes with two snakes intertwined, symbol of the medical profession) as he watched the "caducous" (falling early) autumn leaves.

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The adjective has one meaning:

Meaning #1: (biology) shed at an early stage of development
  Synonym: shed
  Antonym: persistent (meaning #3)

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