ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌä vyə-ˈlā-shən  ˌō- 

: the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary

Doctors have found that a few days before ovulation, as many as 30 to 50 egg follicles have begun to mature. Normally, only one will fully ripen … and the rest are lost.

—Mary Duenwald

In principle, ovulation takes place midway through a 28-day … cycle.

—Judith N. Schwartz

Examples of ovulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those trying to get pregnant, the app predicts their fertile window and offers educational information on fertility and ovulation. —Emily Dreibelbis, PCMAG, 24 June 2024

This disrupts the tightly orchestrated hormonal cycle required for ovulation, menstruation and pregnancy. —Natalie C. Tronson, The Conversation, 24 June 2024

As a second phase, the company will launch prescription ovulation medications in the third quarter, which will include progesterone, clomid and letrozole, as well as at-home blood draws and consultations with a provider. —Emily Burns, WWD, 12 June 2024

In women, common infertility issues are associated with ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage or inhospitable conditions of the uterus, according to Mayo Clinic. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ovule or its source, Medieval Latin ōvulum + -ation

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌäv-yə-ˈlā-shən 

also

ˌōv- 

: the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary

The persistent high level of estrogen induces an abrupt release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, and this hormonal surge then triggers ovulation.

—Hsiu-Wei Su et al., Bioengineering & Translational Medicine