Describing mammals or placentas in which the decidua (uterine lining) is shed along with the placenta after birth.
From Latin 'deciduatus,' the adjective form of 'decidua.' This technical zoological and medical term emerged in the 19th century to classify different types of placental mammals based on reproductive anatomy.
Humans, dogs, and primates are all 'deciduate'—meaning we lose our decidua during birth—but some mammals like horses and pigs are 'indeciduate' and keep theirs intact. This biological difference tells us which species are more closely related on the evolutionary tree.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.