1 caducity | Definition of caducity

caducity

noun
ca·​du·​ci·​ty | \ kÉ™-ˈdü-sÉ™-tÄ“ How to pronounce caducity (audio) , -ˈdyü-\

Definition of caducity

1 : senility
2 : the quality of being transitory or perishable

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

Caducity derives by way of the French caduc, meaning "transitory," from the Latin caducus, meaning "tending to fall," a product of the verb cadere, meaning "to fall." Words that share the "cadere" root with "caducity" include "accident," "coincide," "cadaver," and "chance." "Caducity" usually refers to the fleeting or perishable nature of something. More specifically, it can refer to the perishable nature of cognitive abilities and can be used as a synonym of senility. Both senses of the word first appeared in English in the second half of the 18th century.

Examples of caducity in a Sentence

forgetting the name of an old friend was another painful reminder of her progressive caducity

First Known Use of caducity

1717, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for caducity

French caducité, from caduc transitory, from Latin caducus

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on caducity

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with caducity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for caducity