Etymology Map
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Puberty

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the period of becoming sexually mature

Where does the word "puberty" come from? It comes from Latin pubertas, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
pubertas
Latin · ancient
"adulthood"
from 'pubes', adult
2
Stage 2 of 2
puberty
English · 1300s
"age of maturity"
'pubescent' shares the root
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Read the full story

Puberty’s story begins in Latin: pubertas meant “adulthood.” From 'pubes', adult. It reached English by 1300s as puberty. 'pubescent' shares the root. Today, puberty means the period of becoming sexually mature.