infancy
n. uncountablen. the earliest stage of a child's life, usually before they can walk or talk. It can also describe the very beginning of a new idea or business.
n. the earliest period of childhood, typically preceding the development of speech and walking. In a figurative sense, it refers to the initial stage of development for an abstract concept, project, or organization.
The new technology is still in its infancy.
During the company's infancy, the founders worked out of a small garage without any outside funding.
While the legal framework for space mining is in its infancy, international bodies are already debating how to distribute potential lunar resources fairly.
From Middle English infancie, from Latin īnfantia (“infancy, early childhood; childishness”), equivalent to infant + -cy.
Frequently used in the prepositional phrase 'in its infancy' to describe early-stage development.