thelarche
nounUS /θiˈlɑɹ.ki/
Etymology From Ancient Greek θηλή (thēlḗ, “nipple”) + -arche. By surface analysis, thel- + -arche.
1
The first stage of postnatal breast development, usually occurring at the beginning of puberty in girls, in which a firm, tender lump develops under the centre of the nipple.
2
The process of breast development or the period of such development.
- Derived terms
- thelarchal, thelarcheal