puberty
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈpjuː.bə.ti//
- Canada//ˈpju.bɚ.ti//
- Australia//ˈpjʉː.bə.ti//
A developmental phase brought about by the action of hormones as part of the maturing process. For humans, there are three in total.
noun
- 1
A developmental phase brought about by the action of hormones as part of the maturing process. For humans, there are three in total.
Girls undergoing puberty show an increase in the total output of cortisol, which is related to stress, while boys show little increase.
- 2
A developmental phase brought about by the action of hormones as part of the maturing process. For humans, there are three in total. The process of sexual development that produces secondary sex characteristics and makes a person capable of reproducing sexually.
- 3
The age at which a person is first capable of sexual reproduction.
As shown in Figure 14.4 of the textbook, children reach puberty at different ages in different countries; within those nations, children living in cities tend to reach puberty earlier than those living in rural areas.
- 4
The period when a plant begins to flower.
Etymology
From Middle English puberte, from Old French puberté, from Latin pūbertās (“the age of maturity, manhood”).
Forms
- plural
- puberties
puberty · A developmental phase brought about by the action of hormones as part of the maturing process. For humans, there are three in total.
pubic · Of, or relating to the area of the body adjacent to the pubis…public · Able to be known or seen by everyone; happening without…publication · The act of publishing printed or other matter.