ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈō-və-rē 

ˈōv-rē

plural ovaries

1

: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs and in vertebrates female sex hormones

2

: the enlarged rounded usually basal portion of the pistil or gynoecium of an angiospermous plant that bears the ovules and consists of one or more carpels see flower illustration

Examples of ovary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout perimenopause, the ovaries may still release estrogen, but with erratic or reduced progesterone production, the lining can build up more than usual. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2024

When the body doesn't make enough of the hormones necessary for ovulation, the ovaries can develop cysts, which then make androgens, a hormone that biological men typically have higher amount of. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 22 Sep. 2024

The Newsroom actress revealed in March that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and underwent a double mastectomy as well as a hysterectomy and oophorectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 22 Sep. 2024

Your ovaries might become more extensive, as many follicles containing immature eggs may develop around the edge of the ovary. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ovarium, from Latin ovum egg

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ovary

• polycystic ovary syndrome

Kids Definition

ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē 

plural ovaries

1

: one of the usually paired organs in the body of female animals that produces eggs and that in female vertebrates also produces sex hormones

2

: the enlarged rounded lower part of the pistil of a flower in which seeds are formed

Medical Definition

ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē 

plural ovaries

1

: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs and in vertebrates female sex hormones, that occur in the adult human as oval flattened bodies about one and a half inches (four centimeters) long suspended from the dorsal surface of the broad ligament of either side, that arise from the mesonephros, and that consist of a vascular fibrous stroma enclosing developing egg cells

2

: the female reproductive structure of an angiosperm that bears ovules and is enclosed in a flower