infancy

[ in-fuhn-see ]
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noun,plural in·fan·cies.
  1. the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.

  2. the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage: Space science is in its infancy.

  1. infants collectively.

  2. Law. the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.

Origin of infancy

1
From the Latin word infantia, dating back to 1485–95. See infant, -cy

Words Nearby infancy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use infancy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for infancy

infancy

/ (ˈɪnfənsɪ) /


nounplural -cies
  1. the state or period of being an infant; childhood

  2. an early stage of growth or development

  1. infants collectively

  2. the period of life prior to attaining legal majority (reached at 21 under common law, at 18 by statute); minority nonage

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