maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌma-chə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the process of becoming mature (see mature entry 1 sense 2)

b

: the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth processes

c

: the final stages of differentiation (see differentiation sense 3b) of cells, tissues, or organs

2

a

: the entire process by which diploid gamete-producing cells are transformed into haploid gametes that includes both meiosis and physiological (see physiological sense 2) and structural changes

b

: spermiogenesis

maturational

ˌma-chə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• development
• growth
• maturing
• ripening

Examples of maturation in a Sentence

the early stages of maturation

the maturation of his skills

Recent Examples on the Web

The technique, developed by Mary Lewis from University of Reading, analyzed mineralization of the canine teeth, and examined maturation of the bones of the hand, elbow, wrist, neck, and pelvis. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024

The core bourbon from this Louisville distillery is finished in port barrels, but the latest addition to the lineup is given a secondary maturation in three different types of casks. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2024

But Tony’s behavior also set the stage for his maturation over the course of nine Marvel movies, evolving into a symbolic dad (to Peter Parker) and then a real dad (to his daughter). —Moises Mendez Ii, TIME, 23 July 2024

The Remo flounder is very flat, and during its maturation process, its two sides begin looking different. —Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the process of becoming mature

2

: the process involving meiosis by which body cells having two sets of chromosomes form gametes with one set of chromosomes

Medical Definition

maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the process of becoming mature

b

: the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth processes

c

: the final stages of differentiation of cells, tissues, or organs

d

: the achievement of intellectual or emotional maturity

2

a

: the entire process by which diploid gamete-producing cells are transformed into haploid gametes that includes both meiosis and physiological and structural changes fitting the gamete for its future role

b

: spermiogenesis sense 2

maturative

mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-iv 

adjective