adolescence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the period of development between childhood and adulthood, beginning around puberty

   Their friendship began just before they entered adolescence.

2. 2
   noun

   the physical, emotional, and psychological state associated with this transitional period

   Adolescence can bring rapid changes in identity and independence.

From Middle English adolescence and Old French adolescence, from Latin adolescentia, 'youth,' based on adolescere, 'to grow up or come to maturity.' The same Latin verb also gave English adolescent and adult through different participial forms.

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