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 infusion of peat and sugar kelp introduces notes of bonfire smoke, heather, and maritime elements, balanced by the fruitiness from the red wine cask maturation. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

And Murphy’s four-year, $112 million extension last summer already looked amazing before some of the maturation he’s displayed in his offensive game this season. —William Guillory, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

This month finds Dobel, which is owned by the Beckmann family (who also controls Jose Cuervo) trying out some new and very unusual types of maturation. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024

However implausible his character’s maturation may be, Howell conveys that growth well and retains dignity through the running joke in which Whitaker is regularly showered in bodily fluids. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2025

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