Main Entry: pre·ad·o·les·cence Pronunciation: -"ad-&l-'es-&n(t)s Function: noun : the period ofhuman development just preceding adolescence; specifically: the period between the approximate ages of 9 and 12
preadolescence pre·ad·o·les·cence (prē'ād-l-ěs'əns) n. The period between childhood and the onset of puberty, often designated as between the ages of 10 and 12 in girls and 11 and 13 in boys.