A general term for hairiness, often used to describe the surface of plant stems or leaves (Hairy Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum pubescens, for example) From the Latin, pubescere, "to become mature "
A pubescent girl or boy has reached the stage in their life when their body is becoming physically like an adult's. a pubescent boy or girl is going through puberty (present participle of pubescere, from pubes; PUBES)
Covered with pubescence, or fine short hairs, as certain insects, and the leaves of some plants
(of animals especially human beings) having arrived at the onset of puberty (the age at which sex glands become functional) but not yet fully mature; "the budding breasts of a pubescent girl and the downy chin of pubescent boy"