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growth spurt
Definition
A growth spurt is a period of rapid growth that happens during puberty. It is a time when the body grows taller and wider, and when the reproductive organs mature.
Growth spurts are caused by hormones, which are chemicals that control the growth and development of the body. The hormones that cause growth spurts are produced in the brain and in the sex organs.
Growth spurts usually happen between the ages of 10 and 16, but they can happen earlier or later for some people. They usually last for about 2 years, but they can be shorter or longer.
How can the word be used?
Growth spurts can be a time of awkwardness and self-consciousness for adolescents.
Different forms of the word
Noun: growth spurt.
Adjective: growth-spurt.
Verb: to have a growth spurt.
Synonym: growth acceleration.
Etymology
The word "growth spurt" is a compound word that combines the words "growth" and "spurt". The word "growth" comes from the Old English word "grÅwan", which means "to become larger". The word "spurt" comes from the Old French word "espirt", which means "to shoot forth".
Question
What is a growth spurt?