graafian follicle

noun

graaf·​ian follicle ˈgrä-fē-ən-  ˈgra- 

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

Kids Definition

graafian follicle

noun

graaf·​ian follicle ˌgräf-ē-ən- 

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-  ˌgraf- 

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