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.

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.

3. Arriving or received without due authentication or evidence; as, a premature report.

-- Pre`ma*ture"ly, adv. -- Pre`ma*ture"ness, n.

• Occurring before a state of readiness or maturity has arrived. A premature birth.
  
• Taking place earlier than anticipated, prepared for, or desired.