definitions

colostrum

[ kuh-los-truh m ]
/ kəˈlɒs trəm /
|

noun

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.

Nearby words

colossus, colossus of rhodes, colostomy, colostomy bag, colostrorrhea, colostrum, colotomy, colour, colour bar, colour code, colour commentator

Origin of colostrum

First recorded in 1570–80, colostrum is from the Latin word colostrum, colustrum beestings
Also called foremilk.

Related forms

co·los·tral, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for colostrum

British Dictionary definitions for colostrum

colostrum

/ (kəˈlɒstrəm) /

noun

the thin milky secretion from the nipples that precedes and follows true lactation. It consists largely of serum and white blood cells

Derived Forms

colostral, adjective

Word Origin for colostrum

C16: from Latin, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for colostrum

colostrum

[ kə-lŏs′trəm ]

n.

The first milk secreted at the time of parturition, differing from the milk secreted later by containing more lactalbumin and lactoprotein, and also being rich in antibodies that confer passive immunity to the newborn.foremilk

Related forms

co•los′tral (-trəl) adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.