Noun

The state of being mature, ready or ripe

''Some foods and drinks, like wine, only reach their full taste at maturity , which literally comes at a price

When bodily growth has completed and/or reproduction can begin

''The entire tank of was in their maturity and ready to mate.

''Some insect species reach sexual maturity well before their own bodily maturity

(countable, finance) Date when payment is due

The note was cashed at maturity .

Noun

(uncountable) Capacity of mind, especially to understand principles, truths, facts or meanings, acquire knowledge, and apply it to practice; the ability to learn and comprehend.

* 1912 , (Edgar Rice Burroughs), (Tarzan of the Apes), Chapter 5

Not so, however, with Tarzan, the man-child. His life amidst the dangers of the jungle had taught him to meet emergencies with self-confidence, and his higher intelligence resulted in a quickness of mental action far beyond the powers of the apes.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-19, author= Ian Sample

, volume=189, issue=6, page=34, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Irregular bedtimes may affect children's brains , passage=Irregular bedtimes may disrupt healthy brain development in young children, according to a study of intelligence and sleeping habits.  ¶ Going to bed at a different time each night affected girls more than boys, but both fared worse on mental tasks than children who had a set bedtime, researchers found.}}

(countable) An entity that has such capacities.

* Tennyson

The great Intelligences fair / That range above our mortal state, / In circle round the blessed gate, / Received and gave him welcome there.

(uncountable) Information]], usually secret, about the enemy or about hostile [[activity, activities.

(countable) A political or military department, agency or unit designed to gather information, usually secret, about the enemy or about hostile activities.

(dated) Acquaintance; intercourse; familiarity.

* Clarendon

He lived rather in a fair intelligence than any friendship with the favourites.