premature

Word parts

pre- + mature

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˌpri.məˈtʊr/ or /ˌpri.məˈt͡ʃʊr/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˌprɛ.məˈtjʊə/ or /ˈprɛ.mə.tjə/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Adjective

Positive premature

Comparative more premature

Superlative most premature

1. Something is premature if it happens early, before the usual time.
   • Synonym: early

   The premature baby was born 32 weeks after conception.

Related words

• mature