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infancy

 - 5 dictionary results

in⋅fan⋅cy

[in-fuhn-see]
–noun, plural -cies.
1. the state or period of being an infant; very early childhood, usually the period before being able to walk; babyhood.
2. the corresponding period in the existence of anything; very early stage: Space science is in its infancy.
3. infants collectively.
4. Law. the period of life to the age of majority, 21 years at common law but now usually 18; minority; nonage.

Origin:
1485–95; < L infantia. See infant, -cy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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in·fan·cy   (ĭn'fən-sē)   
n.   pl. in·fan·cies
  1. The earliest period of childhood, especially before the ability to walk has been acquired.

  2. The state of being an infant.

  3. An early stage of existence: Space exploration is still in its infancy.

  4. Law The state or period of being a minor.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: in·fan·cy
Pronunciation: 'in-f&n-sE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -cies
1 : the legal status of an infant : MINORITY
2 : the affirmative defense of lacking legal capacity (as to make a contract or commit a crime) because of being too young and esp. because one's age is below an age set by statute
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: in·fan·cy
Pronunciation: 'in-f&n-sE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -cies
1 : early childhood
2 : the legal status of an infant
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

infancy in·fan·cy (ĭn'fən-sē)
n.

  1. The earliest period of childhood, especially before the ability to walk has been acquired.

  2. The state of being an infant.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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