maturation
- 01 C1 Advanced
the natural process of growing up and becoming an adult.
the process of reaching full physical or psychological development. Uncountable in its general sense.
Simple“The physical maturation of teenagers happens at different speeds for everyone.”
In context“Psychologists study the maturation of cognitive functions to determine when children are capable of abstract reasoning.”
UsageOften used with 'of' to describe the subject undergoing the change.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the way a plan, idea, or market becomes more advanced and stable over time.
the process by which a system, market, or abstract concept reaches a state of stability or full development.
Simple“We are seeing the maturation of the electric car market as prices drop.”
In context“The maturation of the political movement led to more moderate policies and broader public support.”
UsageFrequently appears in business and political contexts to describe stability.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the time it takes for things like cheese or wine to develop their full flavor.
the process of aging or ripening, particularly in food science, to achieve a desired chemical state or flavor profile.
Simple“The maturation of this cheese takes at least twelve months in a cool cellar.”
In context“During the maturation of the whiskey in oak barrels, complex chemical reactions occur that define its final character.”
UsageCommonly used in the context of fermentation and curing.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
the process of a wound or infection becoming full of pus before it heals.
the process of an abscess or wound reaching full suppuration. Technical register used in clinical contexts.
Simple“The doctor monitored the maturation of the infection to decide when to treat it.”
In context“Clinical observation of the maturation of the lesion is necessary before surgical intervention can be safely performed.”
Synonymssuppurationripening
“Streptococcus thermophilus, which is also commonly used as a yogurt starter, remained dominant in the semi-soft and harder cheeses throughout the maturation process.”
“And because cyclospora oocysts mature in outdoor heat , it is possible that increasing temperatures, such as heat domes, could speed up their maturation, exposing more people to the infectious form of the parasite.”