from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Premature \Pre`ma*ture"\, a. [L. praematurus; prae before +
maturus ripe. See {Mature}.]
1. Mature or ripe before the proper time; as, the premature
fruits of a hotbed.
[1913 Webster]
2. Happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the
proper or usual time; adopted too soon; too early;
untimely; as, a premature fall of snow; a premature birth;
a premature opinion; premature decay.
[1913 Webster]
3. Arriving or received without due authentication or
evidence; as, a premature report.
[1913 Webster] -- {Pre`ma*ture"ly}, adv. --
{Pre`ma*ture"ness}, n.
[1913 Webster]