Graafian follicle

American  

[grah-fee-uhn] / ˈgrɑ fi ən /

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

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

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Graafian follicle British  

/ ˈɡrɑːfɪən /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of Graafian follicle

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

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

This particle is formed in the ovary inside a much larger globule, which takes the name of the Graafian follicle, from its discoverer, Graaf, and had previously been regarded as the true ovum.

From Project Gutenberg

The bulk of the entire organ consists of connective tissue, in which lie imbedded the Graafian follicles or ovisacs, in which the ova are contained.

From Project Gutenberg