Graafian follicle

[ grah-fee-uhn ]

noun

, (sometimes lowercase)

1. one of the small vesicles containing a developing ovum in the ovary of a mammal.

Graafian follicle

/ ˈɡrɑːfɪən /

noun

1. a fluid-filled vesicle in the mammalian ovary containing a developing egg cell

Word History and Origins

Origin of Graafian follicle¹

1835–45; named after Regnier de Graaf (died 1673), Dutch anatomist; -ian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Graafian follicle¹

C17: named after R. de Graaf (1641–73), Dutch anatomist

Example Sentences

From time to time some of these ovules enlarge and are surrounded by a vesicle with liquid contents, which is called the Graafian follicle.

From Project Gutenberg

An ovum becomes mature, breaks through its Graafian follicle in the ovary and is set free.

From Project Gutenberg

Diagram of ovary with stages in the development of a Graafian follicle 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, see text, Section 137.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the Graafian follicles containing the ova break and these latter enter the uterus for fertilization.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the human egg-cell and the Graafian follicle the aborigine is not likely to know anything, nor can he know that the mother lodges the thing corresponding to the eggs of birds.

From Project Gutenberg