infant
infant Lexical Profile
infant Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A very young child or baby, typically under the age of one year or before learning to walk and talk.
"The pediatric nurse gently weighed the sleeping infant during the routine checkup."
British A schoolchild between the ages of four and seven attending the earliest stage of primary education.
"The primary school built a separate playground specifically for the infants."
In law, a person who has not yet attained the legal age of majority; a minor.
"Under traditional common law, a contract entered into by an infant is generally voidable."
• adjective
Relating to, designed for, or involving babies or very young children.
"Advancements in maternal healthcare have significantly reduced the infant mortality rate."
In an early stage of existence or development; newly begun.
"The government implemented protective tariffs to support the nation's infant semiconductor industry."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'enfant', from Latin 'infans' meaning 'unable to speak', formed from the negative prefix 'in-' and 'fans', the present participle of 'fari' (to speak).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.