Rip·en v. i. [imp. & p. p. Ripened p. pr. & vb. n. Ripening.]
1. To grow ripe; to become mature, as grain, fruit, flowers, and the like; as, grapes ripen in the sun.
2. To approach or come to perfection.
ripened
adj : of wines, fruit, cheeses; having reached a desired or final
condition; (`aged' pronounced as one syllable); "mature
well-aged cheeses" [syn: aged]