Search Result for "pre`ma*ture":

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Premature \Pre`ma*ture"\, a. [L. praematurus; prae before + maturus ripe. See Mature.] 1. Mature or ripe before the proper time; as, the premature fruits of a hotbed. [1913 Webster] 2. Happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper or usual time; adopted too soon; too early; untimely; as, a premature fall of snow; a premature birth; a premature opinion; premature decay. [1913 Webster] 3. Arriving or received without due authentication or evidence; as, a premature report. [1913 Webster] -- Pre`ma*ture"ly, adv. -- Pre`ma*ture"ness, n. [1913 Webster]