colostrum

noun

co·​los·​trum kə-ˈlä-strəm 

: milk secreted for a few days after childbirth and characterized by high protein and antibody content

colostral

kə-ˈlä-strəl 

adjective

Examples of colostrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Worthwhile brands take pride in third-party testing, as well as first milking collection, which ensures the colostrum was collected within 24 hours after the calf nurses. — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026

Here’s what to know about colostrum. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

While there's little evidence of serious side effects from colostrum, people who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy should avoid it. — Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, beestings

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for colostrum

• nostrum
• rostrum

Kids Definition

colostrum

noun

co·​los·​trum kə-ˈläs-trəm 

: milk secreted for a few days after giving birth and having a high protein and antibody content

Medical Definition

colostrum

noun

co·​los·​trum kə-ˈläs-trəm 

: milk secreted for a few days after childbirth and characterized by high protein and antibody content

colostral

-trəl 

adjective