Word: Puberty
Definition:
Puberty is a noun that refers to the period in a person's life when their body begins to develop and change, usually as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This happens because the sex glands (like ovaries in girls and testes in boys) start to work, leading to physical changes such as growth spurts, development of body hair, and changes in voice.
Usage Instructions:
You can use the word "puberty" when talking about the changes that happen during this important time in life. It usually occurs between the ages of 10 to 14 for girls and 12 to 16 for boys, but the exact age can vary for everyone.
Example Sentence:
"Many teenagers feel awkward during puberty because their bodies are changing so much."
Advanced Usage:
In discussions about health, education, or psychology, "puberty" might be used to talk about the emotional and social challenges that come with physical changes. For instance, you might say, "Puberty can affect a teenager's self-esteem."
Word Variants:
- Pubescent (adjective): Referring to the stage of development during puberty.
Example: "Pubescent children often experience mood swings."
Different Meanings:
While "puberty" specifically refers to the physical changes associated with growing up, it does not have many different meanings outside of this context.
Synonyms:
- Adolescence (though this term refers more broadly to the period of life from puberty to adulthood, not just the physical changes)
- Maturation (referring to the process of developing or becoming mature)
Idioms & Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "puberty," but discussions about it may include phrases about growing up or coming of age, such as "coming into one's own."
Summary:
"Puberty" is an important concept that describes a significant stage in human development. It encompasses the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur as children grow into adults.