Definition and Meaning
Ovary (noun) refers to one of a pair of female reproductive organs that produce eggs (ova) and secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Located in the lower abdomen on either side of the uterus, the ovaries play a central role in menstruation, fertility, and hormonal balance. Humans typically have two ovaries, but the word also applies to similar organs in animals and even plants (in botanical contexts).
Pronunciation
/ˈəʊ.vər.i/ (British)
/ˈoʊ.və.ri/ (American)
Grammatical Formation
- Singular noun: ovary
- Plural noun: ovaries
- Used with verbs like develop, remove, stimulate, examine, contain
Word Comparisons
- Ovary vs. Testicle: Ovaries and testicles are both gonads—organs that produce reproductive cells (eggs in ovaries, sperm in testicles).
- Ovary vs. Uterus: The ovary produces eggs and hormones; the uterus is where a fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy.
- Ovary vs. Fallopian tube: Eggs are released from the ovary and travel through the fallopian tube to reach the uterus.
Prepositional Use and Nuance
- In the ovary: “The cyst formed in the ovary.”
- From the ovary: “The egg is released from the ovary.”
- Of the ovary: “Ovarian cancer is a disease of the ovary.”
Real-life Examples
- Each month, one ovary typically releases an egg in a process called ovulation.
- The ovaries play a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle.
- After menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce fewer hormones.
Simple Explanation
An ovary is a small organ inside a person’s body that makes eggs and hormones. Most people assigned female at birth have two ovaries. These organs help with making babies and keeping hormones balanced.
Common Collocations
- ovary function
- ovarian hormones
- left ovary / right ovary
- remove an ovary (ovariectomy)
- ovary pain
- ovarian cancer
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- ovary development
Idiomatic Usage
There are no widely used idioms based on the word ovary, but some humorous or informal phrases may reference it metaphorically:
- “She’s got more ovaries than most men have balls” – (slang) suggesting courage or boldness (rare/informal)
- “Ovary explosion” – internet slang used jokingly to describe excitement over something adorable (not medically accurate)
Sample Sentences
- The doctor found a benign cyst in her left ovary.
- During ovulation, an egg is released from one ovary.
- Hormones made in the ovary affect mood, fertility, and more.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, the ovary is indirectly connected to sexuality through its role in reproduction and hormone production. While it is not a sexual organ in the sense of external sexual activity, ovaries are vital to sexual health, fertility, and the menstrual cycle. They influence libido and physical development through hormones like estrogen, which are key to puberty and sexual maturation.
Synonyms
female gonad, reproductive gland, egg-producing organ (descriptive phrases)
Antonyms
testicle (opposite gonad in males), non-reproductive organ
Related Terms
uterus, egg, ovulation, menstruation, estrogen, progesterone, fallopian tube, fertility, ovarian cyst, ovariectomy, hormones, menstrual cycle
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