Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

neoteny

noun

nee-OT-uh-nee

Definition

Neoteny refers to the retention of juvenile features in the adult form of an organism.

Examples

Many species exhibit neoteny, allowing them to adapt better to their environments.
The axolotl is a well-known example of neoteny among amphibians.
In some cultures, neoteny is celebrated through fashion and beauty standards that favor youthful characteristics.

Meaning

It is a biological term that describes the phenomenon where an organism does not fully mature but retains traits typically associated with its younger, juvenile stage.