Meaning & Definition of word "Premature"

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    Premature

    /ˌpriːməˈtʃʊr/

    noun:

    • 1. A baby born before the normal gestational period.
      • Example: The hospital has a specialized unit for the care of prematures.

    adjective:

    • 1. Occurring or done before the proper or expected time.
      • Example: The baby's birth was considered premature, arriving two months before the due date.
    • 2. Happening before the usual or expected time.
      • Example: He made a premature decision to sell his stocks, which later increased in value.
    • 3. Lacking maturity or not fully developed.
      • Example: The project's premature launch led to numerous unresolved issues.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'praematurus', meaning 'too early'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    prematurely gray:

    referring to someone who has gray hair at a younger age than usual.

    premature ejaculation:

    a condition in which a man reaches orgasm sooner than desired during sexual activity.

    premature aging:

    the process of aging before the typical age range.

    Related Words

    prematurity:

    the state of being premature.

    mature:

    fully developed; ripe.

    timely:

    occurring at a suitable or opportune time.

    Slang Meanings of premature

    Meaning: jumping the gun

    Example Sentence: He jumped the gun with his plan, announcing it too early.

    Meaning: too soon

    Example Sentence: It's too soon to tell if the project will succeed.