maturation

[mach-uh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. the process of becoming mature, ripe, fully aged or developed, etc..

   Maturation of the wine takes place in high-quality oak barrels.

   Making and breaking relationships is part of a young person’s normal maturation.

2. Cell Biology.

   1. the end of the process by which cells or tissues change from relatively generalized to highly specialized.

      The maturation of pancreatic beta cells enables them to respond with specialized accuracy to glucose levels.

   2. the transformation of an immature egg or sperm cell into a gamete ready to unite with another to form a new organism, especially the part of the process that occurs after meiosis.

      In some species, if the animal is starving, egg cell maturation is blocked so that reproduction cannot take place.

3. Pathology.,  the stage at which a wound, boil, etc., produces pus; suppuration.

maturation

/ ˌmætjʊˈreɪʃən, ˌmætʃʊ- /

noun

1. the process of maturing or ripening

2. zoology the development of ova and spermatozoa from precursor cells in the ovary and testis, involving meiosis

3. a less common word for suppuration

Other Word Forms

• maturational adjective
• nonmaturation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of maturation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “suppuration,” from Medieval Latin mātūrātiōn-, stem of mātūrātiō; equivalent to maturate + -ion

Example Sentences

Even as her unsinkable, emotionally complicated boss combats Ava’s efforts to elevate the show at every turn, Ava’s maturation stands out.

From Los Angeles Times

A well-seasoned fruitcake will get several spirit baths over the maturation period.

From Salon

Somatic variations can lead to new traits, and in apples, it's the reason we see trees with unique characteristics like early maturation or the spur-type growth habit.

From Science Daily

“It would’ve stopped her from playing. She would have gotten a frustration level and to me, watching that now … I just am so proud of her maturation process and her mental toughness.”

From Los Angeles Times

The thing that is distinct over the last decade or so is the maturation of social media.

From Salon

Related Words

• accomplishment 
• achievement 
• advance 
• benefit 
• boom 
• fame 
• gain 
• happiness 
• profit 
• progress 
• prosperity 
• realization 
• triumph 
• victory 
• win 

When To Use

What does maturation mean?

Maturation is the process of reaching a stage of full or advanced development.In other words, maturation is the process of maturating (or maturing) or of reaching maturity.The word is often used to refer to the process of a person developing physically or starting to act more grown-up (more mature). It can also be applied to plants or other living things to refer to their development process, such as the ripening of a fruit.Maturation can also be used in more specific and technical ways, including to refer to the formation of reproductive cells or to the production or discharge of pus, such as from a wound (which is more commonly called suppuration).Example: It’s been a privilege to witness the maturation of these students over the last four years.