paedomorphosis

noun

pae·​do·​mor·​pho·​sis ˌpē-də-ˈmȯr-fə-səs How to pronounce paedomorphosis (audio)
: phylogenetic change that involves retention of juvenile characters by the adult

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from paed- + Greek morphōsis formation, from morphoun to form, from morphē form

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paedomorphosis was in 1922

Rhymes for paedomorphosis

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Browse Nearby Words

paedomorphism
paedomorphosis
paedomorphy
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Cite this Entry

“Paedomorphosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paedomorphosis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

paedomorphosis

noun
pae·​do·​mor·​pho·​sis
variants or pedomorphosis
-ˈmȯr-fə-səs How to pronounce paedomorphosis (audio)
plural paedomorphoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce paedomorphosis (audio)
: phylogenetic change that involves retention of juvenile characters by the adult

More from Merriam-Webster on paedomorphosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paedomorphosis

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