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Glite Dictionary

adrenarche

9.9
An increase in activity of glands above the kidneys before puberty causing body odor and pubic hair growth
  • noun
  • /əˈdrɛnɑrki/
  • Specialized
: adrenarquia
  • The onset of adrenarche typically brings changes like body odor and the development of pubic hair.

Examples

  • The onset of adrenarche often precedes visible signs of puberty.

  • Symptoms such as body odor and oily skin are associated with adrenarche.

  • Researchers study adrenarche to better understand early hormonal changes in children.

  • The onset of adrenarche can lead to noticeable changes in a child's body.

  • During adrenarche, many children experience increased body odor.

  • Researchers study adrenarche to better understand hormonal changes that occur before puberty.

  • During adrenarche, many children notice increased body odor as their adrenal glands become more active.

Surface Forms

adrenarche singular
adrenarches plural

Morphology

adrenarche = adrenal (semi-transparent) = adreno + arche

The element corresponding to the adrenal gland ('adrenal') is recognizable, but the combining form '-arche' meaning 'onset/beginning' is medical and may be unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Adrenarche combines adrenal (as in adrenaline), the gland near the kidneys that makes hormones, and -arche meaning 'beginning'. So, Adrenarche is the 'beginning' of adrenal gland activity that causes changes like body odor and early hair growth just before puberty.