1. relating to or exhibiting neoteny; retaining juvenile or larval characteristics into adulthood
Usage: biology; formal

Examples

• The axolotl is a neotenous amphibian that retains its gills and aquatic lifestyle throughout its life.
• Some neotenous species exhibit juvenile features even after reaching sexual maturity.
• The neotenous characteristics of certain salamanders make them valuable subjects for developmental research.
• Humans are sometimes described as neotenous primates due to our extended childhood development.
• The neotenous form of the organism differs significantly from its fully metamorphosed adult stage.