lactation

noun

lac·​ta·​tion lak-ˈtā-shən 

plural lactations

1

: the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands

… there may be overproduction of prolactin, the breast milk hormone. A sign of that might be abnormal lactation.

—Paul G. Donohue

When a doe kids and begins lactation, she must draw on the calcium stored in her bones to furnish enough blood calcium for milk production.

—David B. Weems

… lactation rooms where mothers can express milk for baby.

—Shawn Tully

… the infants of mothers given the names of lactation support groups or individuals instead are more likely to be fully breast-feeding at four months.

—Barbara Quick

2

: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of birthing to weaning

… cows fed 1.1 percent bicarb in the total ration produced an average 17,587 lbs. of milk per lactation …

—Eastern Milk Producer

lactational

lak-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

lactational mastitis

Examples of lactation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other medical occupation certificates offered at SCC include behavior technician, care giver/personal aid, lactation educator specialist and medical billing. —Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 31 Oct. 2024

Breast pumps and lactation supplies, such as pump accessories, nursing pads, milk storage bags and nipple cream/ointments. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

Studies have been inconclusive as to its effect on breastfeeding people and lactation, so as always consult with a medical provider about fenugreek use and safety.9 3. —Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

That billboard was taken down—because even though Times Square is full of billboards featuring models in bikinis or lingerie, apparently the image of a pregnant body and an allusion to lactation is just unacceptable. —Zara Hanawalt, Parents, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

lactation

noun

lac·​ta·​tion lak-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the secretion and yielding of milk by the mammary gland

2

: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of parturition to weaning

lactational

-shən-ᵊl 

adjective

lactationally

-ē 

adverb