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

For the first few days after giving birth, mothers produce colostrum, a thick, yellow, concentrated milk packed with compounds like the antibody IgA and lactoferrin, an abundant protein that boosts a baby’s immunity.

From MIT Technology Review

By nursing the colostrum out of the breasts, it will favor and hasten the secretion of milk.

From Project Gutenberg

Examined with the microscope, it is found to contain colostrum.

From Project Gutenberg

The first product of the mammæ is not the proper milk secretion, but is a yellowish fluid called colostrum .

From Project Gutenberg

After the calf is a few days old, colostrum changes to what is commonly known as milk.

From Project Gutenberg

Colostrum, ko-los′trum, n. the first milk of a mammal after parturition.

From Project Gutenberg