colostrum

[ kuh-los-truhm ]

noun

1. a yellowish liquid, especially rich in immune factors, secreted by the mammary gland of female mammals a few days before and after the birth of their young.

colostrum

/ kəˈlɒstrəm /

noun

1. the thin milky secretion from the nipples that precedes and follows true lactation. It consists largely of serum and white blood cells

Derived Forms

• coˈlostral, adjective

Other Words From

• co·lostral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of colostrum¹

First recorded in 1570–80, colostrum is from the Latin word colostrum, colustrum “beestings,” colloquial for “first milk”

Word History and Origins

Origin of colostrum¹

C16: from Latin, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Food and Drug Administration adds that it’s unclear whether the H5N1 viruses can be transmitted through consuming raw colostrum from infected cows.

From Los Angeles Times

Food and Drug Administration adds that it’s unclear as to whether or not the H5N1 viruses can be transmitted through consuming raw colostrum from infected cows.

From Los Angeles Times

Rajnarayanan said it’s also important to emphasize that it’s not a definitive conclusion that the cats from the CDC report died from drinking raw colostrum.

From Salon

Sick cows have a mild illness, and produce less milk, which is thicker than usual, resembling colostrum, the first milk produced after a calf is born.

From Science Magazine

Sometimes called “first milk,” colostrum is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands of all mammals immediately after the delivery of a newborn.

From Salon