Pubescent

Origin

From Latin pubescens ("to become hairy, downy, or an adult")

Full definition of pubescent

Adjective

1. Arriving, or arrived at, puberty.
• 2008, Lou Schuler, "Foreward", in Nate Green, Built for Show, page xi...the pubescent male brain isn't noted for its consistent engagement with reality...
• 2012, June 26, Genevieve Koski, Music: Reviews: Justin Bieber: Believe, The 18-year-old Bieber can’t quite pull off the “adult” thing just yet: His voice may have dropped a bit since the days of “Baby,” but it still mostly registers as “angelic,” and veers toward a pubescent whine at times.
2. (botany, zoology) Covered with down or fine hairs.

Derived terms

• peripubescent
• postpubescent
• prepubescent

Related terms

• puberty, pubescence