child

child (chld)

n.

1. A person who has not yet reached puberty.

2. A son or daughter; an offspring.

3. A person not of legal age; a minor.

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child,

n 1. a person of either gender between the time of birth and adolescence, or puberty.
2. in the law of negligence and in laws for the protection of children, a term used as the opposite of
adult (generally under the age of puberty) without reference to parentage and distinction of gender.

child abuse,

n the physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment of a person under 18 years of age. Child abuse occurs predominantly with children under 3 years of age. Symptoms include bruises and contusions, medical record of repeated trauma, radiographic evidence of fractures, emotional distress, and failure to thrive.

child neglect,

n a form of child abuse in which proper care is denied or withheld.