lactiferous

adjective

lac·​tif·​er·​ous lak-ˈti-f(ə-)rəs How to pronounce lactiferous (audio)
1
: yielding a milky juice
lactiferous plants
2
: secreting or conveying milk

Word History

Etymology

French or Late Latin; French lactifère, from Late Latin lactifer, from Latin lact-, lac + -fer

First Known Use

circa 1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactiferous was circa 1674

Dictionary Entries Near lactiferous

Cite this Entry

“Lactiferous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactiferous. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

lactiferous

adjective
lac·​tif·​er·​ous lak-ˈtif-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce lactiferous (audio)
: secreting or conveying milk
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