Definition of: age

(āj) noun
1. The entire period of life or existence, as of a person, thing, nation, etc.
2. The period or stage of life as measured by the time already or previously passed.
3. The closing period of life; decline of life; the state of being old.
4. Any period of life that fits or unfits for any function, office, duty, etc.; specifically, that time of life at which one legally becomes mature, independent, and responsible, usually 21 years; majority: used especially in the phrase of age.
5. Any period of life naturally distinct; stage of life.
6. Any great and distinct period of time in the history of humanity, of the earth, etc.; era; epoch; generation.
7. A century.
8. A long time; protracted period: They have been gone an age.
9. Psychol. The physical and mental development of a person, measured in years, in relation to the normal physical and mental development of an average child.
—v. aged, ag·ing or age·ing v.t.
1. To make or cause to grow old.
2. In dyeing, to fix and distribute the mordant in, as fabric, by exposure to air or chemicals.
—v.i.
3. To assume or show some characteristics of age; ripen: wine ages in barrels. [<OF aage <L aetas age, a span of life]