premature

The definition of premature is something that occurs too early or before it is ready.

(adjective)

When you jump into something with an ill-prepared effort before you are ready, this is an example of a premature effort.
When a baby is born after just seven months of pregnancy instead of nine months, this is an example of a baby that is premature.

See premature in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

happening, done, arriving, or existing before the proper or usual time; too early; specif., born before the full term of gestation

Origin: L praematurus: see pre- & mature

Related Forms:

See premature in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Occurring, growing, or existing before the customary, correct, or assigned time; uncommonly or unexpectedly early: a premature end.
Born after a gestation period of less than the normal time: a premature infant.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, ripe

Origin: , from Latin praemātūrus, ripe too early

Origin: : prae-, pre-

Origin: + mātūrus, ripe; see mā-¹ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: