premature

Premature is an adjective describing something that occurs, arrives, or is done earlier than is appropriate, expected, or typical for a given situation. The term derives from Latin praematurus, from prae- "before" and maturus "ripe" or "mature." In everyday usage, premature implies incompleteness, hastiness, or vulnerability due to being early.

In medicine and biology, the term commonly modifies events such as birth or aging. Premature birth refers to birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation and is associated with neonatal complications and longer hospital care. Premature aging describes signs of aging appearing earlier than usual due to genetic factors, disease, or environmental influences. Premature death denotes death occurring earlier than expected given life expectancy.

In sexuality, premature ejaculation is a sexual dysfunction defined by ejaculation that occurs sooner than the individual or partner desires, typically during intercourse. Definitions and thresholds vary across guidelines. Treatments include behavioral techniques, counseling, medications, and partner-focused strategies; outcomes vary by person.

In technology and project work, premature is used in phrases such as premature optimization or premature release. Premature optimization warns against prioritizing efficiency early in development at the expense of broader design and functionality. Premature release or deployment refers to releasing software or products before they are ready, risking quality and user experience.

See also: Premature birth, Premature aging, Premature death, Premature ejaculation, Premature optimization.

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