Definition:
The word "neotenous" is an adjective that describes something that retains juvenile or young characteristics even into adulthood. It comes from the concept of "neoteny," which is when an organism reaches maturity but keeps some features that are typical of its younger form.
In more specialized contexts, "neotenous" can be used in discussions about evolutionary biology, developmental psychology, or even art and culture to describe things that maintain youthful traits or innocence.
While "neotenous" primarily relates to biological characteristics, it can also metaphorically refer to traits in humans or cultures that suggest youthful energy or innocence, such as playfulness or curiosity.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "neotenous." However, you might encounter phrases that express similar ideas, like “staying young at heart,” which refers to maintaining youthful qualities or spirit.
"Neotenous" is a specialized term that refers to adult organisms retaining youthful traits. It can be applied in various contexts, particularly in biology and metaphorically in culture.