Definition of mature

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ma·ture    (m-tyr, -tr, -chr) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
ma·tur·er, ma·tur·est

1. 1. Having reached full natural growth or development: a mature cell.
   2. Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe: a mature cheese.
2. Of, relating to, or characteristic of full development, either mental or physical: mature for her age.
3. 1. Suitable or intended for adults: mature subject matter.
   2. 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, a market, or a product.
7. Geology Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.

VERB:
ma·tured, ma·tur·ing, ma·tures
VERB:
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).

VERB:
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.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin mtrus; see m-¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
ma·turely(Adverb), ma·tureness(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
mature, age, develop, ripen

These verbs mean to bring or come to full development or maximum excellence: maturing the wines in vats; aged the brandy for 100 years; developed the flavor slowly; fruits that were ripened on the vine.