Definition of neoteny

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< neotectonics

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ne·ot·e·ny    (n-tn-) KEY 

NOUN:

1. Retention of juvenile characteristics in the adults of a species, as among certain amphibians.
2. The attainment of sexual maturity by an organism still in its larval stage.

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ETYMOLOGY:
New Latin neotenia : neo- + Greek teinein, ten-, to extend ; see tenesmus

OTHER FORMS:
neo·tenic  (n-tnk, -tnk) KEY  or ne·ote·nous  (-tn-s) KEY (Adjective)