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 of reproductive age who have ovaries, ovulation occurs in the middle of an average monthly menstrual cycle. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

For example, someone who has had their uterus removed but not their ovaries won’t be menstruating. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024

Currently, women who carry BRCA gene mutations are recommended to have their ovaries removed by their mid-thirties, resulting in early menopause. —Victoria Forster, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024

When a woman starts menstruating, her ovaries release estrogen and progesterone. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 19 Oct. 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