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 corpus luteum releases progesterone, which is the hormone crucial in preparing your body for potential fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy.
—
Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025
There are a lot of different types of ovarian cysts—the two most common are follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 22 Apr. 2025
All mammals have a corpus luteum, a temporary gland that remains after an egg follicle is released during menstrual cycles.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
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
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Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025
There are a lot of different types of ovarian cysts—the two most common are follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 22 Apr. 2025
All mammals have a corpus luteum, a temporary gland that remains after an egg follicle is released during menstrual cycles.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Corpus luteum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corpus%20luteum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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