Main Entry: mat·u·ra·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌmach-ə-ˈrā-shən\

Function: noun

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 2

—ma·tur·a·tive \mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-iv\ adjective