How Do You Spell PUBESCENT?

Pronunciation: [pjuːbˈɛsənt] (IPA)

Pubescent is a word that refers to the developmental stage when young people develop secondary sexual characteristics. The spelling of this word is quite unusual, as it contains several unusual consonant sounds. The first syllable, "pu," is pronounced with a bilabial stop /p/. The second syllable, "bes," contains a voiced fricative consonant /b/ followed by an unvoiced fricative /s/. Finally, the last syllable, "cent," is pronounced with an unvoiced affricate /ts/. Overall, the IPA transcription for pubescent would be /ˈpjuːbɛsənt/.

PUBESCENT Meaning and Definition

1. The term "pubescent" refers to the stage of development during which an individual undergoes various physical and physiological changes associated with sexual maturation. This period typically occurs during adolescence, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.

   Pubescence is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of pubic hair, breast development in females, and the deepening of the voice and facial hair growth in males. Hormonal changes occur during this stage, leading to the development of reproductive organs and the onset of menstruation in females, as well as the production of sperm in males.

   Alongside the physical changes, pubescent individuals often experience emotional and psychological transformations. They may exhibit an increased interest in romantic and sexual relationships, as well as experience mood swings and heightened self-awareness.

   The duration of pubescence varies among individuals, but it generally lasts several years. This transitional period serves as a crucial stage in human development as individuals navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with adulthood. It is important to note that the process of pubescence is influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and cultural perspectives on pubertal development.

2. Just coming to the age of puberty.

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

3. Arriving at maturity; in bot., covered with soft hair or down.

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

Top Common Misspellings for PUBESCENT *

• pubesent 53.8461538%
• pubesant 30.7692307%
• pubecent 15.3846153%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PUBESCENT

• pubessent
• prescent
• pubscent
• pubsecent
• plescent
• pubeacent
• pubescant
• futescent
• rubeacent
• Spumascent
• -pubescents
• pubecents
• pidesment
• Subjescent
• Sugoscent
• pubicent
• Pubesce
• Rukescent

Etymology of PUBESCENT

The word "pubescent" is derived from the Latin word "pubescens", which is the present participle of "pubescere". "Pubescere" is a verb that means "to become covered with hair" or "to reach the age of puberty". It is a combination of "pubes" (pubic hair) and the suffix "-scere" (to become). Therefore, "pubescent" refers to the stage of development during which an individual begins to exhibit secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of pubic hair, as they approach or enter puberty.

Similar spelling words for PUBESCENT

• Papescent,
• pre-pubescent,
• pepsinate,
• pubescence.