Mo. Rev. Stat. § 211.442: Definitions.

As used in sections 211.442 to 211.487, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms mean:

(1) "Child" , an individual under eighteen years of age;

(2) "Minor" , any person who has not attained the age of eighteen years;

(3) "Parent" , a biological parent or parents of a child, as well as, the husband of a natural mother at the time the child was conceived, or a parent or parents of a child by adoption, including both the mother and the putative father of a child. The putative father of a child shall have no legal relationship unless he, prior to the entry of a decree under sections 211.442 to 211.487, has acknowledged the child as his own by affirmatively asserting his paternity.