pubescence

 
Pronunciation: /pjʊˈbɛs(ə)ns/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the time when puberty begins.
  • 2 Botany & Zoology soft down on the leaves and stems of plants or on various parts of animals, especially insects.

Origin:

late Middle English: from French, or from medieval Latin pubescentia, from Latin pubescent- 'reaching puberty' (see pubescent)