ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈō-və-rē 

ˈōv-rē

plural ovaries

1

: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs and in vertebrates female sex hormones

2

: the enlarged rounded usually basal portion of the pistil or gynoecium of an angiospermous plant that bears the ovules and consists of one or more carpels see flower illustration

Examples of ovary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In people with female reproductive systems, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone.1 Testosterone levels don't stay the same throughout your lifetime. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 29 Nov. 2024

Progesterone and estrogen levels are highest five to seven days after ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes). —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2024

She’s also had her ovaries and Fallopian tubes removed. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Hormones direct the ovary to produce an egg to release and the uterine lining to develop to support a possible pregnancy. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ovarium, from Latin ovum egg

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ovary

• polycystic ovary syndrome

Kids Definition

ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē 

plural ovaries

1

: one of the usually paired organs in the body of female animals that produces eggs and that in female vertebrates also produces sex hormones

2

: the enlarged rounded lower part of the pistil of a flower in which seeds are formed

Medical Definition

ovary

noun

ova·​ry ˈōv-(ə-)rē 

plural ovaries

1

: one of the typically paired essential female reproductive organs that produce eggs and in vertebrates female sex hormones, that occur in the adult human as oval flattened bodies about one and a half inches (four centimeters) long suspended from the dorsal surface of the broad ligament of either side, that arise from the mesonephros, and that consist of a vascular fibrous stroma enclosing developing egg cells

2

: the female reproductive structure of an angiosperm that bears ovules and is enclosed in a flower