infant

UK: ˈɪnfənt | US: ˈɪnfənt

Definition

  1. n. a very young child or baby

  2. n. (law) a person under the legal age of majority

  3. adj. relating to or intended for infants

Structure
in <not>fant <speaking>
Etymology

The word "infant" originates from Latin infans ("unable to speak"), combining in- (negation) and fari ("to speak"). It originally referred to children too young to speak, later generalized to mean any very young child. The term reflects the ancient association between speech and personhood.

Examples

  1. The infant smiled at her mother.

  2. Infant mortality rates have declined significantly.

  3. The store specializes in infant clothing.

  4. He was still an infant when his family moved abroad.

  5. The law protects the rights of infants and minors.