PREMATU'RE, a. [L. proematurus; proe, before, and maturus, ripe.]
1. Ripe before the natural or proper time; as the premature fruits of a hot bed.
2. Happening, arriving, performed or adopted before the proper time; as a premature fall of snow in autumn; a premature birth; a premature opinion; a premature measure.
3. Arriving or received without due authentication or evidence; as premature report, news or intelligence.
