critical period: a stage in the development of some aspect of an organism during which, for a limited period of time, the next stage of development is contingent upon incorporating a new input from the environment which, in turn, leaves a residual effect that is more or less immutable, and that cannot be induced either earlier or later in development.
Synonym,
crucial period;
sensitive period.
See also imprinting.
Dictionary of Sexology Project: Main Index