Here's a breakdown of how "age" functions as a suffix:
Indicating a Period of Time:
* Stone Age: The period of human history marked by the use of stone tools.
* Bronze Age: The period characterized by the use of bronze tools and weapons.
* Iron Age: The period marked by the use of iron tools and weapons.
Indicating a Stage of Development:
* Adolescence: The period of physical and psychological development between childhood and adulthood.
* Childhood: The stage of development from birth to adolescence.
* Middle Age: The period of life between youth and old age.
Indicating a Characteristic:
* Teenage: Relating to teenagers (people between 13 and 19 years old).
* College Age: Relating to the age range of college students.
* Working Age: Relating to the age range at which people typically work.
Other Examples:
* Ice Age: A period of glacial expansion.
* Space Age: The period marked by space exploration.
* Information Age: The current era characterized by the rapid growth of information technology.
In Conclusion:
The suffix "age" is versatile and conveys a broad range of meanings depending on the context. It's used to indicate a period of time, a stage of development, or a characteristic associated with something.