ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌä vyə-ˈlā-shən  ˌō- 

: the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary

Doctors have found that a few days before ovulation, as many as 30 to 50 egg follicles have begun to mature. Normally, only one will fully ripen … and the rest are lost.

—Mary Duenwald

In principle, ovulation takes place midway through a 28-day … cycle.

—Judith N. Schwartz

Examples of ovulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Although the specifics vary from method to method, hormonal birth control generally works by halting ovulation and/or changing conditions in the uterus or cervix to prevent pregnancy. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 3 Apr. 2024

Smart rings offer companion apps to help predict periods and ovulation. —Florence Ion, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2024

This absence of visible ovulation cues in humans hints at evolutionary strategies for social structure and reproductive behavior, encouraging paternal investment by obscuring paternity, reducing infanticide risks, and promoting female choice in mating. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024

The four patients will now have to wait at least a month, for their next ovulation, to start an embryo transfer. —Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024

One of the hallmarks of PCOS is insulin resistance, meaning the body’s cells are not able to uptake glucose effectively, which can negatively impact ovulation. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024

In the 1950’s, a researcher at Searle developed a progestin compound that prevented ovulation. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024

These sensors help track fluctuations in body temperature to more accurately track heat strain and predict the current phase (menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal) of the menstrual cycle. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2024

Jessica tried everything short of IVF: medication that stimulates ovulation, intrauterine insemination, supplements, daily blood tests and even acupuncture. —Sarah Gish, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ovule or its source, Medieval Latin ōvulum + -ation

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ovulation

noun

ovu·​la·​tion ˌäv-yə-ˈlā-shən 

also

ˌōv- 

: the discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary

The persistent high level of estrogen induces an abrupt release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, and this hormonal surge then triggers ovulation.

—Hsiu-Wei Su et al., Bioengineering & Translational Medicine