corpus luteum

noun

corpus lu·​te·​um -ˈlü-tē-əm 

plural corpora lutea -ˈlü-tē-ə 

: a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue that forms immediately after ovulation from the ruptured graafian follicle in the mammalian ovary

—abbreviation CL

Examples of corpus luteum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The empty follicle that released the egg transforms into something called the corpus luteum, producing hormones that continue preparing your body for potential pregnancy. —Shivani Somaiya, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025

During this phase, the ruptured follicle that released an egg turns into a mass of cells called the corpus luteum. —Carley Millhone, Health, 13 Dec. 2024

The corpus luteum makes the hormones needed to maintain pregnancy until the placenta has fully formed. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 9 Oct. 2024

During this time, a temporary cluster of cells called the corpus luteum will form on your ovary. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024

The lining of the uterus (endometrium) and the corpus luteum will dissipate, and your body will prepare for menstruation.3 Hormonal Fluctuations and Your Menstrual Cycle Some people have very regular periods, but others don't. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024

The sac does not dissolve after releasing the egg (corpus luteum cyst). —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024

The corpus luteum produces the hormones progesterone and estrogen, both of which are necessary to thicken the lining of your uterus in order to support a pregnancy. —Christin Perry, Parents, 22 July 2024

During the luteal phase of your cycle, your body forms a corpus luteum, which is a ball of cells that form on your ovary. —Christin Perry, Parents, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin corpus lūteum "yellow body"

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for corpus luteum

• endothelium
• periosteum
• peritoneum
• athenaeum
• coliseum
• colosseum
• mausoleum
• mycelium
• corneum
• hordeum
• lyceum
• museum

Kids Definition

corpus luteum

noun

cor·​pus lu·​te·​um

ˌkȯr-pəs-ˈlüt-ē-əm

plural corpora lutea

ˌkȯr-p(ə-)rə-ˈlüt-ē-ə

: a yellowish mass of tissue formed in a graafian follicle in the ovary of a mammal after the egg is released

Medical Definition

corpus luteum

noun

corpus lu·​te·​um -ˈlüt-ē-əm, -lü-ˈtē-əm 

plural corpora lutea -ə 

: a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue that consists of pale secretory cells derived from granulosa cells, that forms immediately after ovulation from the ruptured graafian follicle in the mammalian ovary, and that regresses rather quickly if the ovum is not fertilized but persists throughout the ensuing pregnancy if it is fertilized