maturation

maturation definition - medical

mat·u·ra·tion (măchˌə-rāˈshən)

noun
  1. The process of becoming mature.
  2. Production or discharge of pus.
  3. 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.
  4. The final differentiation processes in biological systems, such as the attainment of total functional capability by a cell, a tissue, or an organ.

Related Forms:

  • matˌu·raˈtion·al adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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