noun
maturation
match-oo-RAY-shun/ˌmætʃuˈreɪʃn/
The process of becoming fully developed over time.
The tomatoes show maturation from small green fruit to fully grown red fruit.
Etymology
The verb meaning “to ripen” makes maturation a process of ripening. Applied to children as well as fruit, the word describes development toward a fully grown state.
In context
you want to feed the fruit of the tree with loads of sunshine, but then you want cool nights to slow the maturation process. That gives you a denser coffee seed
More examples
- The maturation of these grapes slows in cool weather.
- Temperature affects the rate of maturation in cheese.
- Her latest novel reflects her maturation as a writer.
Forms
Similar words
- development
- Covers growth and change, not necessarily reaching full maturity.
- ripening
- Usually describes fruit or crops becoming ready to eat.