submature

Submature is an adjective used to describe a state that is not fully mature; it denotes an intermediate developmental stage or condition that lies below full maturity. The term is used in various disciplines—such as biology, horticulture, medicine, and materials science—to indicate that something has begun or reached a significant degree of development yet has not attained the complete, final form.

In biology and medicine, submature can refer to organisms, tissues, or cells that are halfway toward maturity, such as late-stage juveniles or tissues with some functional development but lacking full capabilities. In agriculture and plant sciences, submature seeds or fruits may be at an intermediate ripening stage, showing color or texture changes without possessing peak flavor, firmness, or storability. In other contexts, it may describe implants, prostheses, or materials that are not yet fully matured or stabilized.

The term is not universally standardized; its precise meaning depends on the field and the criteria used for maturity in that context. When precision is required, more specific terms such as immature, juvenile, mature, or ripening stage are preferred. Etymology: from Latin sub- meaning under and mature meaning ripe or developed.