noun
also pe·do·mor·pho·sis ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈmȯrfəsə̇s sometimes -ˌmȯrˈfōs-
( plural paedomorpho·ses also pedomorpho·ses -ˌsēz)
Etymology: New Latin, from paed- + -morphosis
: phylogenetic change involving retention of juvenile characters by adult individuals and typically accompanied by increased capacity for further change and indicative of a potential for further evolution — compare fetalization , gerontomorphosis