Word
maturation
Phoneticsmat·u·ra·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌmætʃɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/mətʃɔːɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01biological/personal growth
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the natural process of growing up and becoming an adult.
n. the process of reaching full physical or psychological development. Uncountable in its general sense.
“The physical maturation of teenagers happens at different speeds for everyone.”
“Psychologists study the maturation of cognitive functions to determine when children are capable of abstract reasoning.”
Usage
Often used with 'of' to describe the subject undergoing the change.
Synonyms
02development of a system or idea
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. the way a plan, idea, or market becomes more advanced and stable over time.
n. the process by which a system, market, or abstract concept reaches a state of stability or full development.
“We are seeing the maturation of the electric car market as prices drop.”
“The maturation of the political movement led to more moderate policies and broader public support.”
Usage
Frequently appears in business and political contexts to describe stability.
Synonyms
03aging of food or drink
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Cooking Technical
n. the time it takes for things like cheese or wine to develop their full flavor.
n. the process of aging or ripening, particularly in food science, to achieve a desired chemical state or flavor profile.
“The maturation of this cheese takes at least twelve months in a cool cellar.”
“During the maturation of the whiskey in oak barrels, complex chemical reactions occur that define its final character.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of fermentation and curing.
04medical suppuration
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Medicine Technical · Formal
n. the process of a wound or infection becoming full of pus before it heals.
n. the process of an abscess or wound reaching full suppuration. Technical register used in clinical contexts.
“The doctor monitored the maturation of the infection to decide when to treat it.”
“Clinical observation of the maturation of the lesion is necessary before surgical intervention can be safely performed.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Streptococcus thermophilus, which is also commonly used as a yogurt starter, remained dominant in the semi-soft and harder cheeses throughout the maturation process.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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