pædomorphism Biol.
(piːdəʊˈmɔːfɪz(ə)m)
Also ped-.
[f. pædo- + -morphism.]
The retention of juvenile characteristics in certain adult mammals.
| 1891 Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 208 Dr. Harrison Allen spoke of the disposition occasionally exhibited in adult mammals, for the proportions of different parts of the body to remain as they were in the immature individuals... Dr. Allen proposed for this peculiarity the term pedomorphism. 1931 Amer. Jrnl. Physical Anthropol. XVI. 203 (title) Pedomorphism in the pre-Bushman skull. 1970 G. Greer Female Eunuch 333 The pedomorphism of women has always been remarked upon. 1973 B. J. Williams Evolution & Human Origins vii. 98/1 Paedomorphism is said to occur when certain developmental processes are retarded in such a way that important features of the larval or infantile form are maintained into sexual maturity. |