infancy

[in-fuhn-see]

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.

infancy

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of infancy¹

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

Example Sentences

"Caves contain lead, so they were all contaminated. Based on the tooth enamel studies, it started very early in infancy."

Read more on Science Daily

The most complex element of the performance, Del Toro believes, is playing “nothing,” meaning the blank, pure state of mind of a living being in infancy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There is a now a National Commission for Missing Persons, but it is in its infancy and struggling with a lack of resources - including DNA testing facilities.

Read more on BBC

Too much money is going into a technology still in its infancy, without the network effects and other positive traits that made other technologies longer-term winners, says Jain.

Read more on Barron's

AI is still in its infancy, but your predictions are yours to own.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• inception