adult child
/ˌadʌlt ˈtʃʌɪld/noun
1Originally in religious or legal use: a son or daughter who has reached the age of discretion or majority. Subsequently: a son or daughter who has reached adulthood.
2 Psychology (originally and chiefly US ). An adult who grew up in a dysfunctional family, especially in the care of a parent or guardian with an addiction (frequently alcoholism).
3An adult who retains the qualities or characteristics typical of children; especially one who is not fully developed emotionally or socially.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Samuel Fisher (bap. 1604, d. 1665), Quaker preacher and writer. From adult + child.
- Apr.
- APRA
- apraxia
- apraxic
- a pretty (or fine) kettle of fish
- a pretty penny
- a price on someone's head
- apricot
- apricot plum
- apricot tree
- April
- Aprilesque
- April Fool
- April 'foolery
- April Fool's Day
- April Fools' Day
- April-gowk
- Aprilish
- April shower
- April showers bring (forth) May flowers
- a priori
- apriorism
- apron
- aproned
- apron stage