pubescence

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

pubescence
    n 1: the time of life when sex glands become functional [syn:
         {puberty}, {pubescence}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Pubescence \Pu*bes"cence\, n. [Cf. F. pubescence.]
   1. The quality or state of being pubescent, or of having
      arrived at puberty. --Sir T. Browne.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A covering of soft short hairs, or down, as one some
      plants and insects; also, the state of being so covered.
      [1913 Webster]