1. Coming to full development; becoming mature
   "The ripening of the tomatoes took several warm days";
   - maturation, maturement
    
2. Acquiring desirable qualities by being left undisturbed for some time
   "The ripening of cheese enhances its flavour";
   - aging, ageing

1. Cause to ripen or develop fully
   "The sun ripens the fruit";
   - mature, age
    
2. Grow ripe
   "The plums ripen in July"
    
3. Approach or come to completion or perfection
   "The plan ripened into a successful business venture"

Derived forms: ripenings

Type of: alter, biological process, change, grow, maturate, mature, modify, organic process

Encyclopedia: Ripening