How Do You Spell SUBADULT?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌbɐdˌʌlt] (IPA)

The term "subadult" is often used in biology to describe organisms that are not fully matured but are past their juvenile stage. It is spelled as /sʌbædʌlt/ in phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "sub," indicates something that is inferior or subordinate, while the second part of the word, "adult," implies maturity. The emphasis is on the second syllable, and the "b" sound is pronounced softly. The spelling follows English pronunciation rules, with the exception of the silent "b."

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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SUBADULT Meaning and Definition

  1. Subadult is an adjective used to describe an individual, particularly in the animal kingdom, that is in the transitional stage between being a juvenile and reaching full adulthood. This term is commonly utilized in the field of zoology, but can also be applied to humans in certain contexts. A subadult can refer to any organism that has not yet attained reproductive maturity, but has outgrown the characteristics and behaviors associated with juvenility.

    In reference to animals, a subadult typically exhibits physical and behavioral traits that resemble those of an adult, but may still possess some residual juvenile characteristics. This stage often involves the individual developing more complex physical attributes, such as secondary sexual characteristics, as well as acquiring skills necessary for survival or social interactions in adulthood. The duration of the subadult phase varies across species, ranging from a few months to several years, depending on factors like life expectancy and growth rate.

    In the context of human development, subadult can refer to an individual between adolescence and adulthood. This stage encompasses the years of late teens and early twenties, where individuals are still maturing physically, emotionally, and socially. It is a period marked by increased independence and responsibility, as well as experimentation and exploration of personal identity.

    Overall, the term subadult signifies a transitional phase between juvenility and full adult development, characterized by intermediate physical, behavioral, and psychological attributes.

Common Misspellings for SUBADULT

Etymology of SUBADULT

The word "subadult" is derived from two components: "sub-" and "adult".

1. "Sub-" is a prefix in English derived from Latin, meaning "below" or "under". It is commonly used to indicate a subordinate or lower rank.

2. "Adult" is a noun from Latin meaning "grown-up" or "fully developed". It refers to a person or organism that has reached maturity or the stage of being fully grown.

Combining these components, "subadult" refers to an individual who is not fully adult or mature, typically used to describe an adolescent or a stage between childhood and adulthood.