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neoteny

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noun ne·o·te·ny \ nē-ˈä-tə-nē \

Definition of neoteny

1 :retention of some larval or immature characters in adulthood
2 :attainment of sexual maturity during the larval stage
—

neotenic

play \ˌnē-ə-ˈte-nik\ adjective

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Origin and Etymology of neoteny

New Latin neotenia, from ne- + Greek teinein to stretch — more at thin

Learn More about neoteny

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neoteny

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