adult-onset
|a-dult-on-set|
B2
/əˈdʌlt ˈɒnˌsɛt/
beginning in adulthood
Etymology
Etymology Information
'adult-onset' originates from the combination of 'adult' and 'onset', where 'adult' refers to a mature person and 'onset' means the beginning or start of something.
Historical Evolution
The term 'adult-onset' was coined to describe conditions that specifically begin in adulthood, distinguishing them from those that start in childhood.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it was used in medical contexts to describe diseases, but now it can refer to any condition or trait that appears in adulthood.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
referring to a condition or disease that begins in adulthood.
Adult-onset diabetes is becoming increasingly common.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/18 16:13