2. (Bot.)
Defn: The down of plants; a downy or villous substance which grows on plants; pubescence.
PUBESCENCE
Pu*bes"cence, n. Etym: [Cf. F. pubescence.]
1. The quality or state of being pubescent, or of having arrived at puberty. Sir T. Browne.
2. A covering of soft short hairs, or down, as one some plants and insects; also, the state of being so covered.
PUBESCENCY
Pu*bes"cen*cy, n.
Defn: Pubescence.
PUBESCENT Pu*bes"cent, a. Etym: [L. pubescens, -entis, p. pr. of pubescere to reach puberty, to grow hairy or mossy, fr. pubes pubes: cf. F. pubescent.]
1. Arrived at puberty. That . . . the men (are) pubescent at the age of twice seven, is accounted a punctual truth. Sir T. Browne.
2. Covered with pubescence, or fine short hairs, as certain insects, and the leaves of some plants.