Maturation (noun)

1. The process of growing up and becoming an adult, both physically and mentally.
2. The process of a fruit or vegetable ripening and becoming ready to eat.
3. The process by which an investment or asset grows in value over time.
4. The process by which a wine or other alcoholic drink improves in flavor and quality as it ages.

Origin:

Late middle english from old french maturité, from matur ("ripe, mature"), from latin maturus.

Examples:

1. The maturation of a child into an adult is a gradual process.
2. The maturation of this type of cheese can take several years.
3. The maturation of the stock market is often measured in terms of bull and bear markets.
4. Maturation of wine is an essential aspect of winemaking.
5. The maturation of a person's personality and character occurs over many years.