infancy

American  

[in-fuhn-see] / ˈɪn fən si /

noun

plural

infancies

1. the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.

2. the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage.

   Space science is in its infancy.

3. infants collectively.

4. Law. the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.

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infancy British  

/ ˈɪnfənsɪ /

noun

1. the state or period of being an infant; childhood

2. an early stage of growth or development

3. infants collectively

4. the period of life prior to attaining legal majority (reached at 21 under common law, at 18 by statute); minority nonage

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Etymology

Origin of infancy

From the Latin word infantia, dating back to 1485–95. See infant, -cy

Example Sentences

Unlike China, it had failed to institute a sweeping censorship system when the internet was in its infancy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Leigh syndrome is a rare metabolic condition that affects the brain and muscles, usually appearing in infancy or early childhood.

From Science Daily

His linguistic gifts and poetic sensibility for the English language, then in its infancy, gave his translation a vibrancy, immediacy, charm and clarity that have never been matched.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Good Friday Agreement had been signed just five years earlier and the Northern Ireland peace process was in relative infancy.

From BBC

Some scientists said shaping microbiomes during infancy could potentially prevent disease and improve health later on.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inception