Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pubescence \Pu*bes"cence\, n. [Cf. F. pubescence.]
   1. The quality or state of being pubescent, or of having
      arrived at puberty. --Sir T. Browne.

   2. A covering of soft short hairs, or down, as one some
      plants and insects; also, the state of being so covered.

Source : WordNet®

pubescence
     n : the time of life when sex glands become functional [syn: {puberty}]