maturation

noun

mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌma-chə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce maturation (audio)
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
maturational adjective

Examples of maturation in a Sentence

the early stages of maturation the maturation of his skills
Recent Examples on the Web Gauff and her inner circle describe a period of maturation and constant adjustment. Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 After more than three decades of maturation, a few 1991 vintage single malts were selected and put into an Oloroso sherry butt to finish. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 On Friday night, inside San Marcos High School’s Knights Center, Parker’s maturation reached fruition as the Lancers defeated Victory Christian Academy 47-35 to win the CIF San Diego Section Division 2 girls basketball title. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024 The true mark of a team’s maturation is its ability to close out games. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2024 The resulting whiskey has notes of spice, tannin, dark berries, and espresso on the palate, making this a successful experiment in maturation. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 The 12-year maturation imparts a crisp character, with notes of green apple, mint, and a subtle smokiness. Lela London, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The fandom surrounding Charlotte FC, which took a 1-0 victory in manager Dean Smith’s MLS debut, has reached an interesting point in its maturation. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2024 The Cards took a big step in that maturation process this week. The Courier-Journal, 13 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maturation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of maturation was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near maturation

Cite this Entry

“Maturation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maturation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

maturation

noun
mat·​u·​ra·​tion ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce maturation (audio)
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 How to pronounce maturation (audio)
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
maturative adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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