pubescence

/pjuˈbɛsəns/
noun
  1. The period when a person's body begins to develop into an adult; the early stage of puberty.
    • The health class covered the physical and emotional changes of pubescence.
    • During pubescence, many teenagers experience rapid growth and mood changes.
    • Her voice began to deepen as she entered pubescence.
  2. A soft, fine covering of short hairs or down on a plant or insect.
    • The leaf's pubescence helps protect it from drying out in the sun.
    • Botanists use the presence of pubescence to identify certain species of plants.
    • The caterpillar's body is covered with a dense pubescence.
What does "pubescence" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean