puberty

noun4

1. •
   A developmental phase brought about by the action of hormones as part of the maturing process. For humans, there are three in total.

   • Girls undergoing puberty show an increase in the total output of cortisol, which is related to stress, while boys show little increase. — 2014
2. •
   The process of sexual development that produces secondary sex characteristics and makes a person capable of reproducing sexually.
3. •
   The age at which a person is first capable of sexual reproduction.
4. •
   The period when a plant begins to flower.