prepubescence
1
8.4
- noun
- /ˌpriːpjuːˈbɛsəns/
- Specialized
:
prepubertad
- Many children are curious about their bodies during prepubescence, leading to questions about growing up.
Examples
-
It could have chapters like "Prepubescence: Your Friends"
Blog text (15) -
The fact it's done during prepubescence, rather than at infancy when they would have had a better chance of not remembering the procedure, is what makes it a rite of passage here.
Blog text (22) -
During prepubescence, children often experience emotional changes as they begin to develop independence.
-
Parents often notice their child's personality starting to shift during the stage of prepubescence.
Synonyms
1
6.6
The time before puberty when a child's body begins to change
A period just before puberty when a child begins to grow and change
How Mature
61
3.1
60
3.9
1
8.2
- Specialized
1
8.4
687
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
prepubescence = pubescence (semi-transparent) = pre + pubescence
The meaning is compositionally 'before pubescence', but 'pubescence' is a relatively technical term that many learners may not know, making full transparency limited.
Etymology
Prepubescence breaks into pre- meaning 'before' and pubescence, which is the same root as puberty meaning 'becoming adult'. So prepubescence is the time just before puberty when a child begins to show physical and emotional changes but is not yet grown.