Main Entry: pre·ma·ture

Pronunciation: \ˌprē-mə-ˈtyu̇r, -ˈtu̇r, -ˈchu̇r also ˌpre-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin praematurus too early, from prae- + maturus ripe, mature

Date: circa 1529

: happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time; especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks <premature babies>

— premature noun

— pre·ma·ture·ly adverb

— pre·ma·ture·ness noun

— pre·ma·tu·ri·ty \-ˈtyu̇r-ə-tē, -ˈtu̇r-, -ˈchu̇r-\ noun