nascent

American  

[nas-uhnt, ney-suhnt] / ˈnæs ənt, ˈneɪ sənt /

adjective

1. beginning to exist or develop.

   That nascent republic is holding its first election this month.

2. Chemistry. (of an element) in the nascent state.

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nascent British  

/ ˈneɪ-, ˈnæsənt /

adjective

1. starting to grow or develop; being born

2. chem (of an element or simple compound, esp hydrogen) created within the reaction medium in the atomic form and having a high activity

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Other Word Forms

• nascence noun
• nascency noun
• unnascent adjective

Etymology

Origin of nascent

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin nāscent-, stem of nāscēns “being born,” present participle of nāscī “to be born, arise”

Example Sentences

The stock has been on a tear over the past year as interest exploded around the nascent technology.

From Barron's

The stock has been on a tear over the past year as interest exploded around the nascent technology.

From Barron's

Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women's professional tour, set up by King, fighting for greater legitimacy and prize money.

From Barron's

But his real second act was in the nascent field of neuroscience.

From The Wall Street Journal

Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women's professional tour, set up by King, fighting for legitimacy and prize money.

From Barron's

Related Words

• burgeoning
• fledgling
• growing
• incipient
• promising