lactation
noun
lac·ta·tion
lak-ˈtā-shən
plural lactations
1
: the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands
… there may be overproduction of prolactin, the breast milk hormone. A sign of that might be abnormal lactation.—Paul G. Donohue
When a doe kids and begins lactation, she must draw on the calcium stored in her bones to furnish enough blood calcium for milk production.—David B. Weems
… lactation rooms where mothers can express milk for baby.—Shawn Tully
… the infants of mothers given the names of lactation support groups or individuals instead are more likely to be fully breast-feeding at four months.—Barbara Quick
2
: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of birthing to weaning
… cows fed 1.1 percent bicarb in the total ration produced an average 17,587 lbs. of milk per lactation …—Eastern Milk Producer
Cite this Entry
“Lactation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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