Adolescent

Pronunciation

• enPR: ăd'É™lÄ•sʹənt, IPA: /ˌædəˈlÉ›sÉ™nt/

Origin

First attested 1482, from Middle French adolescent, from Latin adolescentem, accusative form of adolescens, present participle of adolescere ("to become adult, grow up"), from ad- ("to") + alescere ("to grow or become nourished"). The adjective first appeared in 1785.

Full definition of adolescent

Adjective

1. Characteristic of, or relating to, or undergoing adolescence; immature.
• CowperSchools, unless discipline were doubly strong,
  Detain their adolescent charge too long.

Related terms

• adolescence
• adult

Noun

1. A teenager; a juvenile after puberty.