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

Most researchers believe that PMS occurs after ovulation due to a dramatic fall in estrogen and progesterone levels in people who are not pregnant.3 Not every person who menstruates will experience PMS symptoms, but most people do.3 Some people may only feel mild effects of PMS. —Elizabeth Pratt, Health, 12 May 2024

Along with tracking her cycle and taking ovulation tests, Lawrence also paid closer attention to her diet, sleep, and travel schedule. —Maressa Brown, Parents, 8 May 2024

The rise in estrogen and progesterone levels happens during the luteal phase (second half of your menstrual cycle), which typically occurs after ovulation and about 14 days before menstruation. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Feb. 2024

Consider ongoing costs as well, including pregnancy and ovulation tests. —Latifah Miles, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024

Although the specifics vary from method to method, hormonal birth control generally works by halting ovulation and/or changing conditions in the uterus or cervix to prevent pregnancy. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 3 Apr. 2024

Smart rings offer companion apps to help predict periods and ovulation. —Florence Ion, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2024

This absence of visible ovulation cues in humans hints at evolutionary strategies for social structure and reproductive behavior, encouraging paternal investment by obscuring paternity, reducing infanticide risks, and promoting female choice in mating. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024

The four patients will now have to wait at least a month, for their next ovulation, to start an embryo transfer. —Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 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