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Puberty
Pronunciation
Definition 1
The time of life when a child experiences physical and hormonal changes that mark a transition into adulthood. The child develops secondary sexual characteristics and becomes able to have children. Secondary sexual characteristics include growth of pubic, armpit, and leg hair; breast enlargement; and increased hip width in girls. In boys, they include growth of pubic, face, chest and armpit hair; voice changes; penis and testicle growth, and increased shoulder width. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
The stage in life when sex glands become functional. It is characterized by the development of secondary sex characteristics, reproductive functions, and growth spurts. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. It causes physical changes, and affects boys and girls differently.
In girls:
• The first sign of puberty is usually breast development.
• Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.
• Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last.
In boys:
• Puberty usually begins with the testicles and penis getting bigger.
• Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.
• Muscles grow, the voice deepens, and facial hair develops as puberty continues.
Both boys and girls may get acne. They also usually have a growth spurt (a rapid increase in height) that lasts for about 2 or 3 years. This brings them closer to their adult height, which they reach after puberty. (NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
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