maturation

(măchˌə-rāˈshən)

1. The process of becoming mature.
2. Biology
   a. The processes by which gametes are formed, including the reduction of chromosomes in a germ cell from the diploid number to the haploid number by meiosis.
   b. The final differentiation processes in biological systems, such as the final ripening of a seed or the attainment of full functional capacity by a cell, a tissue, or an organ.

Related Forms:

• matˌu·raˈtion·al adjective