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; see -ian

Example Sentences

In the right ovary are seen ovules in various degrees of maturity in their Graafian follicles: also a corpus luteum—an empty Graafian follicle after expulsion of the ovule.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste

In the sexually mature woman, a Graafian follicle ripens at regular intervals of four weeks.

From The Sexual Life of the Child by Paul, Eden

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

From Woman Her Sex and Love Life by Robinson, William J.

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

From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

F.t., the left Fallopian tube. ov., is the ovary, with a Graafian follicle, G.F.

From Text Book of Biology, Part 1: Vertebrata by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)