Dictionary entry

Adolescent

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ad′o‐les″cent (ăd′ō̍‐lĕs″sent), a. [L. adolescens, p. pr. of adolescere to grow up to; ad + the inchoative olescere to grow: cf. F. adolescent. See Adult.] Growing; advancing from childhood to maturity.

Schools, unless discipline were doubly strong,

Detain their adolescent charge too long.

Cowper.