overmature

adjective

over·​ma·​ture ˌō-vər-mə-ˈchu̇r How to pronounce overmature (audio)
-ˈchər,
 also  -ˈtu̇r,
-ˈtyu̇r
: past the age or condition of maturity: such as
a
: beyond the stage of desirable or optimal development or productivity
overmature wax beans
The older the better as far as nuthatches view it. Their favorite trees are "overmature" ones: aging and touched with decay, filled with nest holes and insects …Rick Marsi
b
: past the middle portion of a cycle of erosion
overmature rocks
overmaturity
ˌō-vər-mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce overmature (audio)
-ˈchər-
 also  -ˈtu̇r-
-ˈtyu̇r-
noun
The squash is very tender and should be handled with care to prevent skin cuts and bruising. Avoid purchasing any with … a dull, shriveled skin, which is a sign of overmaturity. Tammy Algood

Examples of overmature in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Pears picked when slightly immature will ripen with better quality than pears that are overmature when picked. oregonlive, 2 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overmature was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near overmature

Cite this Entry

“Overmature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overmature. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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