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prepuberty

American  
[pree-pyoo-ber-tee] / priˈpyu bər ti /

noun

Physiology.
  1. the period of life just prior to sexual maturation.


Other Word Forms

  • prepuberal adjective
  • prepuberally adverb
  • prepubertal adjective
  • prepubertally adverb

Etymology

Origin of prepuberty

First recorded in 1920–25; pre- + puberty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Even if no sign of puberty becomes noticeable," he said, "this age of the girl marks the end of prepuberty phase."

From New York Times

That means the sons of men who smoke in prepuberty will be at higher risk for obesity and other health problems well into adulthood.

From Time