pu·bes·cence \pyüˈbesən(t)s\noun (-s) Etymology: Medieval Latin pubescentia, from Latin pubescent-, pubescens + -ia -y 1.: the quality or state of being pubescent; especially: pubertal development of genital hair 2. a.: an epidermal covering of soft short hairs or down (as on the surfaces of leaves and stems or the bodies of insects) b.: fuzziness Synonyms:see youth