ovary

ova·ry

noun \ˈō-və-rē, ˈōv-rē\

plural ova·ries

Definition of OVARY

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

Origin of OVARY

New Latin ovarium, from Latin ovum egg

First Known Use: 1658

ova·ry

noun \ˈōv-(ə-)rē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ova·ries

Medical Definition of OVARY

: 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

Illustration of OVARY

ovary

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In zoology, the female reproductive organ (see reproductive system) that produces eggs and sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Human females have two ovaries, almond-shaped organs about 1.5 in. (4 cm) long. They contain hollow balls of cells (follicles) that hold immature eggs. About 150,000–500,000 follicles usually are present at birth; by young adulthood, only about 34,000 remain. The number continues to decrease until menopause, when the few remaining follicles decay and the ovaries shrink and produce far less estrogen. Only 300–400 follicles mature and release an egg, which develops into an embryo if fertilized or, if not, passes from the body with menstruation. In botany, an ovary is the enlarged base of a flower's female organ (pistil). It contains ovules, which develop into seeds when fertilized, and matures into a fruit.