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In the collocation "baby girl" is "baby" an adjective or a noun?

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    Two days ago, we just had the question on noun adjective. This is a dupl. Anat, please research previous questions. Jan 21, 2014 at 8:38

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The answer would depend on context, but in most cases I think it is safe to assume baby is an attributive noun (or noun adjunct)— a noun which modifies another noun.

See also When can a noun be used attributively?.

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  • How about 'a baby kitten'? Or even 'a baby oven' ?
    – WS2
    Jan 21, 2014 at 9:05
  • I can't think of a situation in which it would be an adjective. It always stays a nominal modifier.
    – RegDwigнt
    Jan 21, 2014 at 9:53
  • Google claims it can: ... baby adjective 1. comparatively small or immature of its kind. AHD goes further: baby adj. bab·i·er, bab·i·est 1. Of or having to do with a baby. 2. Infantile or childish. 3. Small in comparison with others of the same kind: baby vegetables. Jan 21, 2014 at 12:43

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