n.
Pronunciation: ˌ ma-ch ə - ' r ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Date: 1541
1 a : the process of becoming mature b : the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth processes c : the final stages of differentiation of cells, tissues, or organs
2 a : the entire process by which diploid gamete-producing cells are transformed into haploid gametes that includes both meiosis and physiological and structural changes b : SPERMIOGENESIS
– mat · u · ra · tion · al \ -shn ə l, -sh ə -n ə l \ adjective