Adultoid

/əˈdʌltɔɪd/ adjective

Definition

Somewhat resembling or having qualities similar to an adult but not fully or completely adult.

Etymology

From 'adult' + '-oid' (from Greek '-eides,' form or appearance). The -oid suffix suggests a partial or resemblance rather than the real thing (like 'humanoid' for human-like but not human).

Kelly Says

Scientists studying development use 'adultoid' to describe organisms in transitional stages—metamorphosing insects or maturing animals that look somewhat like adults but aren't reproductively or behaviorally mature yet.

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