# thelarche

> English word · Noun · IPA /θiˈlɑɹ.ki/

## Definitions
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.

## Etymology
From Ancient Greek θηλή (thēlḗ, “nipple”) + -arche. By surface analysis, thel- + -arche.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/thelarche