Word of the Day: NEOTENY

Pedogenesis or Peter Pan Syndrome

neoteny (noun) – retention of juvenile characteristics or traits in adult life; a delay or elimination of an adult phase [nee-ot-n-ee]

BREAKDOWN: NEO- (new) + TEN- (to hold) + -Y (act or state)

• neotenic and neotenous describe juvenile traits or an organism that retains such traits into adulthood

See also: countenance, tenure, untenable

“Neoteny is more than retaining a youthful appearance, although that is often part of it. Neoteny is the retention of all those wonderful qualities that we associate with youth: curiosity, playfulness, eagerness, fearlessness, warmth, energy… Neoteny is a metaphor for the quality–and the gift–that keeps the fortunate of whatever age focused on all marvelous undiscovered things to come.” —Warren G. Bennis

[Fun Word Friday introduces more advanced or technical words that are based on word roots. Yes, these words may still be tested on standardized exams. Try to use this word in a sentence today!]