maturation
UK: ˌmætʃʊˈreɪʃən | US: ˌmætʃʊˈreɪʃən
n. the process of becoming mature, either biologically (e.g., growth) or psychologically (e.g., emotional development)
n. the ripening or completion of something (e.g., wine, ideas)
The word "maturation" derives from the Latin maturatio, meaning "a ripening." The root matur- (from Latin maturus, "ripe" or "timely") signifies readiness or completeness, while -ation is a noun-forming suffix indicating a process or state. The term evolved in English to describe both physical (e.g., fruit) and abstract (e.g., mental) developmental processes, retaining the core idea of gradual progression toward a finished state.
The maturation of grapes is critical for producing high-quality wine.
Emotional maturation often requires life experience and self-reflection.
Scientists studied the maturation of stem cells into specialized tissues.
The project’s success depended on the maturation of innovative ideas.
Adolescence marks a period of rapid physical and psychological maturation.