corpus luteum

[ kawr-puhs loo-tee-uhm ]

noun

, plural cor·po·ra lu·te·a [kawr, -per-, uh, , loo, -tee-, uh].

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a ductless gland developed within the ovary by the reorganization of a Graafian follicle following ovulation.
2. Pharmacology. an extract of this gland, usually of the hog or cow, the chief product of which is progesterone.

corpus luteum

/ ˈluːtɪəm /

noun

1. a yellow glandular mass of tissue that forms in a Graafian follicle following release of an ovum. It secretes progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy

corpus luteum

/ lo̅o̅′tē-əm /

, Plural corpora lutea

1. A yellow mass of cells that forms from a mature ovarian follicle after ovulation and that secretes progesterone. If fertilization of the egg occurs, the corpus luteum persists for the first few months of pregnancy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of corpus luteum¹

1780–90; < New Latin: yellow body

Word History and Origins

Origin of corpus luteum¹

New Latin, literally: yellow body

Example Sentences

In normal single pregnancies in cattle there is never more than one corpus luteum present.

From Project Gutenberg

The empty follicle becomes cicatrized in the ovary and is called the corpus luteum (yellow body).

From Project Gutenberg

After awhile the cavity of the corpus luteum contracts, and the opening into it closes.

From Project Gutenberg

In the hypertension of the menopause some have had success with large doses of corpus luteum extract.

From Project Gutenberg

This corpus luteum grows in size until it sometimes occupies as much as one-third of the ovary.

From Project Gutenberg