ovary
The female reproductive organ that produces eggs.
[C] Countable
pl: ovaries
This term is strictly medical and biological, carrying a neutral, clinical tone. It describes a specific anatomical structure without the emotional or social baggage associated with fertility or reproduction in casual conversation.
In a scientific context, it is used to discuss endocrine functions, such as the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, focusing on the organ as a chemical factory rather than just a site for egg storage.
Countable when referring to the individual organs in the body, as most mammals have two separate ovaries.
Meanings
Examples
The surgeon examined the left ovary.
Related Words
ovumeggfollicleuterusfallopian tubecervixvaginaestrogenprogesteronefollicle stimulating hormoneluteinizing hormoneovulationmenstruationmenopausepubertygameteoocytecorpus luteumgonadtestispelvisabdomenreproductive systemendometriummyometriumcysttumorcancercarcinomahysterectomyoophorectomysalpingectomysurgeongynecologistobstetricianpregnancyembryofetuszygotefertilizationimplantationhormoneendocrinepituitary glandhypothalamuscycleperiodovarianfollicularlutealstomatissuecellmeiosismitosischromosomegeneticsanatomyphysiologybiologymammalfemalewomanbirthgestationcontraceptionsterilizationinfertilityovulation inductionlaparoscopy