pubescent

adjective pu·bes·cent \-s^ənt\

: beginning to physically develop into an adult : having reached puberty

Full Definition of PUBESCENT

a : arriving at or having reached puberty

b : of or relating to puberty

: covered with fine soft short hairs — compare villous

See pubescent defined for English-language learners

Latin pubescent-, pubescens, present participle of pubescere to reach puberty, become covered as with hair, from pubes

First Known Use: 1646

Medical Dictionary

adjective pu·bes·cent \-^ənt\

: arriving at or having reached puberty

: of or relating to puberty

Next Word in the Dictionary: pubicPrevious Word in the Dictionary: pubescenceAll Words Near: pubescent

What made you want to look up pubescent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears