Maturing

ma·ture  (m-tyr, -tr, -chr)

adj. ma·tur·er, ma·tur·est

1.

a. Having reached full natural growth or development: a mature cell.

b. Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe: a mature cheese.

2. Of, relating to, or characteristic of full development, either mental or physical: mature for her age.

3.

a. Suitable or intended for adults: mature subject matter.

b. Composed of adults: a mature audience.

4. Worked out fully by the mind; considered: a mature plan of action.

5. Having reached the limit of its time; due: a mature bond.

6. No longer subject to great expansion or development. Used of an industry, a market, or a product.

7. Geology Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.

v. ma·tured, ma·tur·ing, ma·tures

v.tr.

1. To bring to full development; ripen.

2. To work out fully in the mind: "able to digest and mature my thoughts for my own mind only" (John Stuart Mill).

v.intr.

1. To evolve toward or reach full development: The child's judgment matures as she grows older.

2. To become due. Used of notes and bonds.

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[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin mtrus; see m-¹ in Indo-European roots.]

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ma·turely adv.

ma·tureness n.

Synonyms: mature, age, develop, ripen
These verbs mean to bring or come to full development or maximum excellence: maturing the wines in vats; aged the brandy for 100 years; developed the flavor slowly; fruits that were ripened on the vine.