adjective riper rip′·er, ripest rip′·est

1. fully grown or developed; specif., ready to be harvested and used for food, as grain or fruit
2. like ripe fruit, as in being ruddy and full ripe lips
3. sufficiently advanced, as by being kept in storage or subjected to treatment, to be ready for use ripe wine, ripe cheese
4. fully or highly developed by study, experience, etc.; mature as in judgment, knowledge, etc. ripe wisdom
5. 1. characterized by full physical or mental development a person of ripe years
   2. advanced in years the ripe age of ninety
6. ready to do, receive, or undergo something; fully prepared ripe for marriage
7. ready for some operation, treatment, or process a boil ripe for lancing
8. sufficiently advanced; far enough along (for some purpose): said of time
9. having a strong, unpleasant smell

Etymology: OE, akin to reap