maturing
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ma·ture
(mə-tyo͝or′, -to͝or′, -cho͝or′)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. Having or showing characteristics, such as patience and prudence, considered typical of well-balanced adulthood: 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, market, or 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.
ma·ture′ly adv.
ma·ture′ness n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.