ovary

[ oh-vuh-ree ]

noun

, plural o·va·ries.

1. Anatomy, Zoology. the female gonad or reproductive gland, in which the ova and the hormones that regulate female secondary sex characteristics develop. Compare testis ( def ).
2. Botany. the enlarged lower part of the pistil in angiospermous plants, enclosing the ovules or young seeds.

ovary

/ ˈəʊvərɪ; əʊˈvɛərɪən /

noun

1. either of the two female reproductive organs, which produce ova and secrete oestrogen hormones
2. the corresponding organ in vertebrate and invertebrate animals
3. botany the hollow basal region of a carpel containing one or more ovules. In some plants the carpels are united to form a single compound ovary

ovary

/ ō′və-rē /

1. The reproductive organ in female animals that produces eggs and the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. In most vertebrate animals, the ovaries occur in pairs. In mammals, the ovaries contain numerous follicles, which house the developing eggs (oocytes).
2. See more at menstrual cycle
3. The part of a carpel or of a gynoecium made of fused carpels that contains the ovules in a flower. The ovary is located at the base of the carpel and ripens into a fruit after fertilization of one or more of the ovules.
4. See more at flower

Derived Forms

• ovarian, adjective

Other Words From

• pseud·ova·ry noun plural pseudovaries

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovary¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin ōvārium; ovum, -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovary¹

C17: from New Latin ōvārium, from Latin ōvum egg

Example Sentences

She said she was told weight loss could help her start having periods again after they stopped due to bloating caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.

From BBC

In some cases the fallopian tubes, ovaries, lymph glands, and part of the vagina, can also be removed.

From BBC

The idea of maturing oocytes in the ovary to produce offspring has been implemented in various ways.

From Science Daily

Lisa is still to make a decision about her ovaries, as she also has a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

From BBC

An egg is removed from the woman's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory.

From BBC