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corpus luteum
noun
corpus lu·te·um
-ˈlü-tē-əm
plural corpora lutea
-ˈlü-tē-ə
: a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue that forms immediately after ovulation from the ruptured graafian follicle in the mammalian ovary
—abbreviation CL
Examples of corpus luteum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The corpus luteum makes the hormones needed to maintain pregnancy until the placenta has fully formed.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 9 Oct. 2024
During this time, a temporary cluster of cells called the corpus luteum will form on your ovary.
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024
The lining of the uterus (endometrium) and the corpus luteum will dissipate, and your body will prepare for menstruation.3
Hormonal Fluctuations and Your Menstrual Cycle
Some people have very regular periods, but others don't.
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024
The sac does not dissolve after releasing the egg (corpus luteum cyst).
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024
The corpus luteum produces the hormones progesterone and estrogen, both of which are necessary to thicken the lining of your uterus in order to support a pregnancy.
—Christin Perry, Parents, 22 July 2024
During the luteal phase of your cycle, your body forms a corpus luteum, which is a ball of cells that form on your ovary.
—Christin Perry, Parents, 22 July 2024
Luteal phase: This occurs after a follicle in the ovary releases the egg and changes into the corpus luteum.
—News & Views, Health, 23 Mar. 2024
The corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone until about 10 weeks, when the placenta takes over its production.
—Lambeth Hochwald, Parents, 7 Jan. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin corpus lūteum "yellow body"
First Known Use
1788, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near corpus luteum
Cite this Entry
“Corpus luteum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corpus%20luteum. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
corpus luteum
noun
cor·pus lu·te·um
ˌkȯr-pəs-ˈlüt-ē-əm
plural corpora lutea
ˌkȯr-p(ə-)rə-ˈlüt-ē-ə
: a yellowish mass of tissue formed in a graafian follicle in the ovary of a mammal after the egg is released
Medical Definition
corpus luteum
noun
corpus lu·te·um
-ˈlüt-ē-əm, -lü-ˈtē-əm
plural corpora lutea
-ə
: a yellowish mass of progesterone-secreting endocrine tissue that consists of pale secretory cells derived from granulosa cells, that forms immediately after ovulation from the ruptured graafian follicle in the mammalian ovary, and that regresses rather quickly if the ovum is not fertilized but persists throughout the ensuing pregnancy if it is fertilized
More from Merriam-Webster on corpus luteum
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corpus luteum
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