ˌad ə lˈes ə n(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin adolescentia, from adolescent-, adolescens (present participle of adolescere to grow up) + -ia — more at adult
1. : the state or process of growing up : the period of life from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority
2. : the transition from youth to maturity in the cycle of stream erosion, valley development, or regional sculpture by running water
Synonyms: see youth