prodigy
n. an individual, typically a child, who displays unusual or exceptional talent or intelligence, often in a discrete area of expertise, such as mathematics, music, or chess. Even if naturally endowed with such exceptional abilities, prodigies still require the opportunity and dedication to train and develop their gifts. They do not always develop into accomplished adults: There appears to be an important transition between the two, and only a proportion of prodigies successfully negotiate this transition. See also giftedness.