lactation

noun

lac·​ta·​tion lak-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce lactation (audio)
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 lactationEastern Milk Producer
lactational adjective
lactational mastitis

Examples of lactation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Chefs curate meals to promote lactation and restore nutrients needed in the fourth trimester. Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 26 Sep. 2024 Lots of people really like the Na’vi from Avatar, but the tall, slender aliens seem designed to be desired (James Cameron insisted on giving the female Na’vi breasts, despite the species lack of lactation). Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Risk factors include malnutrition, chronic alcohol exposure, anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medications, and pregnancy or lactation. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 27 Sep. 2024 This has led some researchers to propose there’s another, estrogen-independent mechanism protecting bones during lactation. Bycatherine Offord, science.org, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for lactation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lactation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactation was circa 1837

Dictionary Entries Near lactation

Cite this Entry

“Lactation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

lactation

noun
lac·​ta·​tion lak-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce lactation (audio)
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 adjective
lactationally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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