infancy

[ in-fuh n-see ]
/ ˈɪn fən si /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR infancy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural in·fan·cies.

the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.
the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage: Space science is in its infancy.
infants collectively.
Law. the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.

Origin of infancy

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

Words nearby infancy

infallibility, papal, infallible, infamize, infamous, infamy, infancy, infant, infant apnea, infant mortality rate, infant prodigy, infant school

Words related to infancy

inception, nonage, outset, minority, start, immaturity, beginning, childhood, incunabulum, pupilage

Example sentences from the Web for infancy

British Dictionary definitions for infancy

infancy
/ (ˈɪnfənsɪ) /

noun plural -cies

the state or period of being an infant; childhood
an early stage of growth or development
infants collectively
the period of life prior to attaining legal majority (reached at 21 under common law, at 18 by statute); minority nonage

Medical definitions for infancy

infancy
[ ĭn′fən-sē ]

n.

The earliest period of childhood, especially before the ability to walk has been acquired.
The state of being an infant.