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.

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

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

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

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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.

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