infancy

American  

[in-fuhn-see] / ˈɪn fən si /

noun

plural

infancies

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.

3. infants collectively.

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

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infancy British  

/ ˈɪnfənsɪ /

noun

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

2. an early stage of growth or development

3. infants collectively

4. 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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Etymology

Origin of infancy

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

Example Sentences

This AI transformation—from crutch to coach—is still in its infancy and could be greatly expanded and refined.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kinross cautions that research on how the microbiome works in different population groups is in its infancy.

From BBC

“Keep in mind that this is an investigation that is also in its infancy. So any speculation about what has happened would be just that,” Jacobson told reporters.

From Los Angeles Times

Techniques for cleaning up our media environment are still in their infancy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Social media was in its relative infancy—Instagram was born in 2010, the year Yeates disappeared shortly before Christmas from her home in Bristol.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inception