How Do You Spell PUBESCENCE?

Pronunciation: [pjuːbˈɛsəns] (IPA)

The word "pubescence" refers to the period during which an individual undergoes physical changes associated with the onset of sexual maturity. The spelling of this word is a bit tricky because of its pronunciation. According to the IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /pjuːˈbes(ə)ns/. The "u" in the first syllable is pronounced like "you," the "e" in the second syllable is silent, and the final "s" is pronounced as "ns." Despite its spelling complexity, "pubescence" is an important term in the field of human development.

PUBESCENCE Meaning and Definition

1. Pubescence is a term primarily used in biology to describe the transitional stage of development in organisms, particularly in reference to plants and animals. It refers to the process of acquiring pubescent or fine hair-like structures on certain parts of the body or specific organs. This stage occurs after a period of growth but before full maturity or adult form is attained.

   In plants, pubescence involves the growth of tiny hairs, trichomes, on the leaves, stems, or fruits. These structures can serve various purposes such as preventing excessive water loss, protecting against harmful insects, or reflecting excess sunlight. The appearance and density of pubescence can vary greatly among different plant species.

   In animals, pubescence refers to the growth of fine hair or downy feathers on certain body parts, signaling the onset of sexual maturity and the ability to reproduce. During this stage, secondary sexual characteristics may become more apparent, like the development of facial hair in males or the development of breasts in females.

   Pubescence is an important phase in an organism's life cycle as it represents the transition from immaturity to adulthood, accompanied by the acquisition of specific physiological or morphological features. The duration and characteristics of pubescence can vary greatly across different species, and the term is primarily used in scientific contexts to describe this critical stage of development.

2. The coming to the age of sexual maturity.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. State of puberty; in bot., the downy substance on plants.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PUBESCENCE

• oubescence
• lubescence
• -ubescence
• 0ubescence
• pybescence
• phbescence
• pjbescence
• pubesence
• pubescencee
• erubescence
• Rufescence
• spumesence
• Pubescensey
• Pubescancey
• pubercense
• Tabescence
• pubscense
• pubissence
• pubescentce

Etymology of PUBESCENCE

The word "pubescence" is derived from the Latin noun "pubescens", which is the present participle of "pubescere". "Pubescere" consists of two components: "pubes" meaning "pubic hair", and the suffix "-escere", which indicates the beginning or process of something. Therefore, "pubescere" means "to begin to grow pubic hair". The usage of "pubescence" to describe the stage of development when humans and animals develop pubic hair dates back to the early 19th century.

Similar spelling words for PUBESCENCE

• pubescent,
• pepsines,
• pepsins,
• pubescens,
• post-pubescence,
• Bybusiness,
• Pubescency.

Plural form of PUBESCENCE is PUBESCENCES