precocious; early-maturing
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesadjective
precocious; early maturing (physiology)
technicalRefers to premature physical development in children, characterized by accelerated growth and early fusion of epiphyses, resulting in taller stature initially but shorter adult height.
This child has physiological precocity and needs immediate medical attention.
Precocious children are often taller than their peers before puberty, but tend to be shorter as adults.
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Sexual precocity affects the child's final adult height.
adjective
early-maturing; short-season (crops)
technicalUsed in agriculture to describe crop varieties that reach harvest maturity quickly, often suitable for high-altitude or short-season regions.
We introduced an early-maturing variety of rice.
Early-maturing crops are suitable for planting in high-altitude cold regions.
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Farmers like to grow early-maturing vegetables because they can be brought to market earlier.