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Definition of caudex
caudex
/ˈkɔː.dɛks/
cau · dex
Plural:caudices
•Adjective:caudiciform
caudex Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
caudex Game Scores & Validity
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Wordle Guess
• noun
1
The thickened, often woody stem or trunk of a plant, typically occurring at or below ground level, which frequently serves as a water or nutrient storage organ in certain perennials and desert succulents.
Example
"The botanist carefully measured the massive, swollen caudex of the succulent to determine its approximate age."
2
The woody base of an otherwise herbaceous perennial plant, from which new leaves and stems arise each growing season.
Example
"During the freezing winter months, the delicate foliage dies back, but the hardy caudex remains alive beneath the soil surface."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for caudex• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'caudex', meaning 'trunk of a tree' or 'block of wood'. It shares the same Latin root as 'codex', which originally referred to wooden tablets used for writing.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Caudex. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/caudex