/ad'l es"euhns/ , n.
1. the transitional period between puberty and adulthood in human development, extending mainly over the teen years and terminating legally when the age of majority is reached; youth.
2. the process or state of growing to maturity.
3. a period or stage of development, as of a society, preceding maturity.
[ 1400-50; late ME adolescentia. See ADOLESCENT, -ENCE ]