Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Biology) The process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level. This refers to the natural biological development and growth of a living being.
   • (Medicine) The formation of morbific matter in an abscess or a vesicle and the discharge of pus. This is a specific medical term for the process of pus formation and release.
   • Coming to full development; becoming mature. This describes the general process of reaching a state of full growth, ripeness, or completion.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Biological Development):
  • The maturation of a tadpole into a frog is a fascinating process.
  • Brain maturation continues into early adulthood.
• Noun (Medical Context):
  • The doctor monitored the maturation of the abscess before draining it.
• Noun (General Development):
  • The wine's excellent flavor is a result of slow maturation in oak barrels.
  • Emotional maturation is as important as intellectual growth.

Advanced Usage

• "Process of maturation": Emphasizes the ongoing nature of development.
  • The process of maturation for this cheese takes at least two years.
• "To reach maturation": To achieve a state of full development.
  • The project will reach maturation by the end of the fiscal year.

Variants and Related Words

• Mature (verb/adjective): To become fully developed; fully developed.
  • The plan needs time to mature. (verb)
  • She is a very mature student. (adjective)
• Maturational (adjective): Relating to the process of maturation.
  • There are clear maturational stages in language acquisition.
• Maturity (noun): The state of being mature.
  • Financial maturity is required for this loan.

Synonyms

• Development: The process of developing or being developed.
• Growth: The process of increasing in size or maturity.
• Ripening: The process of becoming ripe or mature (often for fruits, ideas).
• Evolution: A process of gradual development (can be biological or abstract).

Antonyms

• Stagnation: A state of inactivity or lack of development.
• Regression: A return to a less developed state.
• Atrophy: The wasting away or decline of a body part or function.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• (To be) a late bloomer: Someone who matures or becomes successful later than usual.
  • He was a late bloomer, but his artistic talent fully matured in his forties.
• Come of age: To reach maturity, especially legal adulthood.
  • The tradition celebrates when young people come of age.

Noun

1. (medicine) the formation of morbific matter in an abscess or a vesicle and the discharge of pus
2. (biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
   • he proposed an indicator of osseous development in children
3. coming to full development; becoming mature