maturity

From Middle English maturitee, maturyte, from Old French maturité, from Latin mātūritātem. By surface analysis, mature +‎ -ity.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /məˈt͡ʃʊəɹəti/, /məˈtjʊəɹəti/
• (US) IPA^(key): /məˈtʊəɹəti/, /məˈt͡ʃʊ(ə.)ɹ(ə.)ti/, [məˈt͡ʃʊ(ə.)ɹ(ə.)ɾi], /məˈt͡ʃɝ.ɪ.ti/, [məˈt͡ʃɝ.ɪ.ɾi]

  • Audio (California):

    (file)

maturity (countable and uncountable, plural maturities)

1. The state of being mature, ready or ripe; the prime state of productibility and self expression.

   Some foods and drinks, like wine, only reach their full taste at maturity, which literally comes at a price.

   The ability to take responsibility is a sign of maturity.

2. When bodily growth has completed and/or reproduction can begin.

   The entire tank of guppies was in their maturity and ready to mate.

   Some insect species reach sexual maturity well before their own bodily maturity

3. (countable, finance, insurance) The state of a debt obligation at the end of the term of maturation thereof, once all interest and any applicable fees have accrued to the principal.
4. (countable, finance, insurance) Date when payment is due.

   The note was cashed at maturity.

• matureness
• ripeness
• adulthood
• (finance) due date

• naïveté
• immaturity

• maturation