1. reaching or having reached the age of puberty
2. covered with soft short hairs or down
Usage: botanical; zoological

Examples

• The pubescent teenagers were going through many physical and emotional changes.
• Parents often struggle to communicate with their pubescent children.
• The pubescent leaves of the plant felt soft to the touch.
• Many pubescent animals develop their adult coat during this stage.
• The doctor explained the normal stages of pubescent development.
• The botanist noted the pubescent surface of the flower petals.