puberty
PYOO-ber-tee
/ˈpjuːbərti/
The period during which adolescents undergo sexual maturation and become capable of reproduction.
Refers specifically to biological marker changes such as hormonal spikes, growth spurts, and physical changes.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'pubertas' (age of manhood or maturity), derived from 'pubes' ( adult or signs of adulthood). It entered Middle English through French to describe physical biological maturation.
Word relationships
- sexual maturation: 'Sexual maturation' is a formal clinical term; 'puberty' is standard general and scientific English.
Commonly confused with
- adolescence: 'Puberty' is the biological process of physical maturation; 'adolescence' is the broader psychosocial phase.
Word family
- pubescent (adjective): Arriving at or having reached puberty.
Collocations
- onset of puberty
- reach puberty
- puberty changes
- early puberty
Example sentences
- "Hormonal shifts during puberty trigger rapid bone growth and secondary sexual characteristics." Pediatric health journal
- "Understanding the physical milestones of puberty helps young teens handle changes with confidence." School health textbook
Memory hook
Puberty brings physical changes when you grow up. Biological arrival of bodily adulthood.
When not to use
Do not use to describe psychological or social maturation alone without biological physical changes.
Fun facts
- The average age of puberty onset has dropped significantly over the past century worldwide due to improved nutrition and healthcare.
Related words
Explore more words
adolescence, maturation, precocious, fertility, replication, heredity
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