puberty
Meaning of puberty: Puberty is the hormonally driven stage of physical development that transitions a child's body toward adult reproductive capability.
Definition of puberty
Puberty is the stage of life during which hormonal changes drive a child's body toward physical and reproductive maturity. The process begins when the brain signals the reproductive organs to increase hormone production, triggering a series of physical changes that unfold gradually rather than all at once.
In girls, puberty typically involves breast development, growth of pubic and underarm hair, and the onset of menstruation, along with a widening of the hips. In boys, puberty typically involves growth of the testicles and penis, deepening of the voice, and growth of facial, chest, and body hair, along with broadening of the shoulders.
The age at which puberty begins and the pace at which it progresses vary considerably from person to person, and puberty that begins unusually early or late compared to typical patterns is sometimes evaluated for an underlying hormonal cause.
Used in a sentence
The pediatrician discussed the expected stages of puberty during the adolescent well visit.
Good to know
Puberty that begins notably earlier or later than typical for a child's age and sex is sometimes evaluated further, since the timing itself can occasionally point to an underlying hormonal condition.
Word origin
Where “puberty” comes from
Formed from Latin pubertas, from puber, meaning adult or grown up.