neoteny

noun ne·o·te·ny \nē-ˈä-tə-nē\

Definition of NEOTENY

: retention of some larval or immature characters in adulthood

: attainment of sexual maturity during the larval stage

— ne·o·ten·ic \ˌnē-ə-ˈte-nik\ adjective

New Latin neotenia, from ne- + Greek teinein to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use: 1901

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