graafian follicle

noun

graaf·​ian follicle ˈgrä-fē-ən- How to pronounce graafian follicle (audio) ˈgra- How to pronounce graafian follicle (audio)
often capitalized G
: a mature liquid-filled cavity in a mammalian ovary that ruptures during ovulation to release an egg

Word History

Etymology

Regnier de Graaf †1673 Dutch anatomist

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graafian follicle was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near graafian follicle

gra

graafian follicle

grab

Cite this Entry

“Graafian follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graafian%20follicle. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

graafian follicle

noun
graaf·​ian follicle ˌgräf-ē-ən- How to pronounce graafian follicle (audio)
ˌgraf-
often capitalized G
: a small fluid-filled cavity in the ovary of a mammal that encloses a developing egg

Medical Definition

graafian follicle

noun
graaf·​ian follicle ˌgräf-ē-ən- How to pronounce graafian follicle (audio) ˌgraf- How to pronounce graafian follicle (audio)
often capitalized G
: a mature follicle in a mammalian ovary that contains a liquid-filled cavity and that ruptures during ovulation to release an egg

called also vesicular ovarian follicle

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