1610s, a back-formation from pubescence, or else from French pubescent (early 16c.) or directly from Latin pubescentem (nominative pubescens), present participle of pubescere "to reach puberty" (see pubescence).
the budding breasts of a pubescent girl and the downy chin of pubescent boy
ptosis
pub
puberty
pubes
pubescence
pubescent
pubic
public
publican
publication
publicise
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