Nubility

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state or condition of being at an age or physical development suitable for marriage or reproduction ; the quality of being mature enough for sexual activity or childbearing ; the period in life when one is considered marriageable and capable of bearing children
2. The phase marked by biological and social readiness for wedlock and procreation ; the characteristic of reaching a suitable stage for starting a family ; the stage in youth signifying full reproductive capability and customary marriage eligibility
3. A developmental stage indicating physical and sometimes societal preparedness for marriage and fertility ; the attribute of completing growth sufficient for reproductive functions ; the age or condition when social norms deem one fit for matrimonial union and parenthood

Etymology: In Latin, "nubere" meant "to veil oneself," and it was used of a woman taking a husband, because a bride wore a veil at her wedding. From it came "nubilis," meaning marriageable, and the abstract noun "nubilitas." The word therefore began as a description of a ceremony rather than of a body or an age. English took the term from Latin, through the French "nubilité," and it has kept the older sense of marriageability alongside the later focus on physical maturity. The same verb also gave English "nuptial," which still refers to weddings. Because the word was used to describe women's readiness for marriage, it has long carried assumptions about gender and about who was judged eligible, and the older legal and social meanings are still present in its use.

Synonyms: marriageability, maturity, fertility, youthfulness, puberty

Antonyms: infertility, immaturity, spinsterhood, barrenness